Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 8

Written Answers. - Milk Quota.

Michael Creed

Question:

128 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the introduction of B quotas in the context of the Santer proposals on reform of the Common Agricultural Policy; the proposals, if any, he has tabled in relation to the reform of the milk quota regime; and if he will outline the way in which he proposes to safeguard the future of all small scale milk producers. [19492/97]

In the ongoing discussions on the outline proposals set out in the Santer package on Agenda 2000, I have expressed support for increased flexibility in the operation of the milk quota system which would allow the EU to exploit the expected expansion in world dairy markets. An A and B quota system is one such possibility. Detailed Commission proposals for reform of the sector are not expected until early next year.

I have asked a consultative group, consisting of representatives from all sectors of the dairy industry as well as from the academic world to consider in the context of Agenda 2000, the best options for the future of the Irish dairy sector. This group will examine, among other things, the future of the quota regime, including any changes to its operation which might be desirable from Ireland's point of view. I have no doubt that the group will come up with useful ideas which will benefit Irish producers, including small scale producers and that these views will prove very useful to me when more detailed negotiations get under way.
Top
Share