James Leonard
Question:208 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether extra milk quotas will be made available under Border funding following submissions from the cross-Border milk quota action group. [17315/96]
Written Answers. - Extra Milk Quotas.
A number of proposals have been made in relation to the provision of additional milk quotas to the Border regions in the context of the peace process, including that referred to by the Deputy. No decision has been made on the matter. I previously indicated my support for any initiative which would secure additional quotas in those regions.
The Deputy will be aware, however, that granting additional milk quotas is a sensitive matter within the EU at any time. If an initiative of this nature is to have any hope of success, it must be advanced for consideration at EU level in the correct circumstances, at the correct time and with the full support and involvement of the United Kingdom authorities.