Vol. 485 No. 4
34 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on the need to support young farmers by ensuring adequate provision for access to quota production rights; if he will grant a starter quota to these farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23362/97]
I am well aware of the need to ensure adequate provision for access to quota production rights for young farmers. Every effort is made to provide this access under the various schemes subject to the constraints of the relevant regulations.
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.
