Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 1

Written Answers. - Production Rights for Farmers.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

39 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will ensure that there is sufficient provision for access to quota or production rights for young farmers who have attained the necessary educational standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15493/97]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The operation of the milk quota, ewe premium quota and suckler cow quota systems in Ireland is biased in favour of small scale producers and new entrants with suitable education qualifications.

The milk quota restructuring scheme gives total priority to small scale producers, under 35,000 gallons. Within this category, special provision is made for new entrants. The new entrant category recognises not only those young farmers who wish to get into dairying but also young farmers already committed to dairying but whose quotas are below 15,000 gallons.

Both in the case of the ewe premium and the suckler cow the allocation of quota from the national reserve gives priority to young farmers who have attained the specific education standards.