Vol. 501 No. 6
195 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will allocate a special share of any additional quota granted under the negotiations of Agenda 2000 to the areas retaining Objective One status and give extra special priority consideration to young farmers and farmers with small quotas in order to protect the viability of many small farms in the areas to be classified within Objective One status. [6955/99]
Negotiations on the EU Commission proposals for reform in the milk sector are continuing in the context of Agenda 2000. During the course of the negotiations, I will, in relation to any allocation of additional quota, be insisting on an equitable share for Irish milk producers.
In relation to small scale producers it is clear that within the constraints of the existing quota system, considerable efforts have been made to improve the position of these producers. They continue to have priority access to additional quota under the temporary leasing and restructuring schemes and they also have the possibility of applying to the milk quota appeals tribunal for additional allocations.
It is my intention that the operation of the milk quota system in Ireland will continue to take particular account of the needs of small scale producers.
