Michael Ring
Question:176 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when did a person (details supplied) in County Mayo lose her suckler cow quota; the reason for this; and when will it be returned to her. [7379/98]
Written Answers. - Suckler Cow Quota.
The person named established a suckler cow quota in 1992 based on the number of eligible cows applied for under the 1992 suckler cow premium scheme.
Under the EU regulations governing the quota regime valid up to 1996, farmers holding suckler cow quotas were required to use at least 50 per cent of that quota in any one of two consecutive years otherwise the part not used in the second year would be forfeited and returned to the national reserve.
The person named did not apply for the suckler cow premium scheme in 1993, 1994, 1995 or 1996. As none of the quota was used during those four years, it was returned to the national reserve in 1995 and the person named was informed of this in January 1996. In the circumstances, the quota cannot now be returned to her.