Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 4

Written Answers - Milk Quota

Michael Creed

Question:

103 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to proposals leaked from the European Commission suggesting a 2 to 3 per cent increase in milk quotas in the context of reform of the Common Agricultural Policy; the steps, if any, he will take to secure additional milk quota for Irish farmers; and the consequences, if any, he envisages for milk prices as a result of increased quotas. [6184/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The Commission's detailed proposals on the implementation of the agricultural elements of Agenda 2000 have not yet been finalised by the Commission. Any comments by me on leaks or speculation about the content of the proposals would be inappropriate.

My overriding concern will be to protect the interest of Irish agriculture in the negotiations which will follow the presentation of these detailed proposals.