Vol. 492 No. 1
24 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the measures, if any, he proposes to introduce to assist small milk producers who have demonstrated a serious commitment to milk production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13310/98]
The operation of the milk quota system in Ireland takes particular account of the needs of small scale producers and a number of specific measures have been introduced and continue to operate to address the problems of these producers. The milk quota restructuring scheme gives total priority to small scale producers with quotas of less than 35,000 gallons. Under the temporary leasing scheme 75 per cent of the pool is made available to producers with quotas of less than 35,000 gallons.
Producers with quotas of less than 35,000 gallons get priority in the redistribution of unused quotas, flexi-milk, at the end of each milk quota year. They are allocated 70 per cent of the available quota under this measure. The ring-fencing of quota in disadvantaged areas and the clawback of quota on land leases and sales were put in place principally to try to safeguard the position of small scale producers. The Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal adjudicates on cases of hardship and over the years, on its recommendation, quota has been allocated to many applicants, mostly small scale producers. I will, in the future, continue to make whatever efforts are possible within the constraints of the regulations to help these producers.
