I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 24, 38, 44, 50, 62 and 66 together.
While the existing legal basis for the EU milk quota regime extends to the year 2000, the European Commission has indicated that a review of quota and related price policy will begin in 1997. I have already indicated in the Council of Ministers that I favour early consideration of the future dairy policy regime, so that our dairy farmers and the industry generally will be in a position to plan for the future.
By way of preparation for such discussions at EU level, I have already set up a high level group broadly representative of the industry to work with my Department in considering the dairy policy options best suited to Ireland's future needs. In this context, the B quota idea will obviously be looked at, as will other possible adaptations to the existing dairy regime.
I do not wish to pre-empt the outcome of this work by advocating any particular policy change at this stage. Following the work of the high level group I hope to be able to put forward ideas to the Commission to be taken into account in the review to which I have referred.