Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - Suckler Cow Quota.

Liam Aylward

Question:

147 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will have arrangements made to give an early and favourable decision to the appeal which was lodged by Deputy Aylward through the Department on 4 July 1997 on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to allow him retain his 1996 suckler cow quota. [4031/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Under the EU regulations governing the quota regime, farmers holding suckler cow quotas greater than seven, were required to use at least 70 per cent of that quota in 1996 otherwise the part not used would be forfeited and returned to the national reserve. Farmers may not lease out quota for more than three successive years and may sell that quota following three years of leasing. The person named established a suckler cow quota of 19 premium rights in 1992. He leased out his entire quota in 1994 and leased out nine premium rights in 1995 and in 1996.

He was required to use at least 70 per cent of the quota in 1996 but, having leased out only nine premium rights and not having applied for suckler cow premium scheme himself in 1996, the amount of quota used was less than the required 70 per cent. The unused quota, i.e. ten premium rights was forfeited and returned to the national reserve. He appealed the decision to forfeit those rights but that appeal was rejected.

He sold the remaining nine premium rights in 1997 and does not now hold a suckler cow quota.