Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1999

Vol. 502 No. 3

Written Answers. - Milk Quota.

Ivan Yates

Question:

197 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that dairy farmers in non-disadvantaged areas are finding it virtually impossible to acquire milk quotas in view of the fact that those for sale are in disadvantaged areas; the proposals, if any, he has to relax or alter the regulations relating to the geographical mileage limitations on quota transfers; when the next review of this will be considered; the proposals, if any, he has to remedy this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7722/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Provisions for the ring-fencing of milk quotas are contained in the European Communities (Milk Quota) Regulations, 1995 (S.I. No. 266 of 1995). The ring-fencing legislation provides that any milk quota involved in a land transfer in the disadvantaged areas can be produced on the land in question or on other land held by the transferee within 48 kilometres (c. 30 miles) of that land. The basic principle underlying the ring-fencing of milk quota is the retention, in so far as possible, of milk production in those regions of the country which are most vulnerable in terms of economic and social decline. The importance of milk production in terms of rural development and the maintenance of population has been highlighted in many studies. I have no proposals to change these provisions at present.

The Milk Quota Review Group, which is made up of representatives of the farming organisations, the dairy industry and technical advisers, has in recent months reviewed all aspects of the operation of the regime in Ireland but no recommendation has been made by the group to amend the ring-fencing provision.