Seamus Kirk
Question:248 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has for a change in the cereal quota regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1720/95]
Written Answers. - Cereal Quota Regime.
Noel Dempsey
Question:254 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if it is his Department's policy that the cereal quotas will be on an individual base area basis. [1254/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 254 together.
EU legislation provides the option for Member States to introduce a system of individual base areas in the arable crop sector. It is my intention to introduce such a system as soon as necessary changes are made to the EU rules. The changes are required in order to allow individual base areas to be introduced in an equitable manner, to deal adequately with hardship cases and new entrants and to adjust the rules on eligible land.
I am taking the matter up with the EU Commission as a matter of urgency.