Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 7

Written Answers. - Milk Quota.

Willie Penrose

Question:

43 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department has studied the recent formula for compensation contained in the judgment by the High Court in the milk quota proceedings undertaken by development farmers who were not provided with adequate milk quotas to meet their targets set out in their farm modernisation scheme plans; if an estimate of the amount of damage has been assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11026/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The judgment to which the Deputy refers was a ruling on a preliminary issue in the assessment of damages of claims by development farmers remitted to the High Court by order of the Supreme Court. The judgment has been considered by my Department. The hearings in relation to the claims of individual plaintiffs to damages based on the preliminary ruling are due to recommence in the High Court on 11 May 1999. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the matter which is sub judice.