Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Oct 1998

Vol. 494 No. 6

Written Answers. - Milk Quota.

Ivan Yates

Question:

76 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the plans, if any, he has to seek an extra addition to the Irish national milk quota as part of his negotiating strategy at the European Council of Ministers and in the context of the Santer proposals in order that some of it can be ringfenced and earmarked specifically for those developmental category of farmers who were in the farm modernisation scheme when the quota was introduced in 1983 to 1984 and who are currently lobbying as part of the milk rights group; his views on the allocation of an additional quota specifically for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19004/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Negotiations on the EU Commission proposals for reform in the milk sector are continuing and are likely to take some time to conclude. I have already made clear my position in regard to certain aspects of the proposals both to the Commission and to my colleagues at the Council of Ministers, in particular as regards the allocation of additional quota between member states. I have highlighted the economic importance of the milk sector to this country as well as the role of milk production in protecting viability at farm level. During the course of the negotiations, which it is hoped will be finalised in March of next year, I will be seeking to protect the interests of all Irish milk producers.