Vol. 473 No. 4
545 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the current position regarding an application by the Cross Border Quota Action Group for an increase quota in the 12 Border counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1440/97]
I have, on a number of occasions, indicated my support for any initiative which would lead to the allocation of additional quota to milk producers in the Border countries.
This matter has been discussed between officials of my Department, the United Kingdom's Ministry for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland. I also raised this matter directly with the UK Minister for Agriculture and, as the Deputy will be aware, I have also met the Cross-Border Milk Quota Action Group.
As I have previously indicated, it is my view that the success of an initiative of this nature will be dependent not only on the circumstances and timing of its presentation at EU level, but also, of course, on the position taken by the United Kingdom authorities.
