Vol. 422 No. 4
214 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will have arrangements made to change the milk quota year to the calender year, which will encourage early calving, resulting in calves being free of disease, due to the lack of bacteria early in the year, because of the cold weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The period of the quota year is set down in Community legislation. The milk quota review group which is representative of milk producers, milk processors. Teagasc and my Department, have however examined the question of an alternative quota year. Having considered the various options from the point of view of the industry as a whole the group recommended that the April-March year be retained and I have accepted their recommendation in this matter. I have not therefore raised this matter at Council.
