Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Oct 1999

Vol. 508 No. 4

Written Answers. - Milk Quota.

Willie Penrose

Question:

137 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will ensure that, in the forthcoming allocation of milk quota derived from the Agenda 2000 proposals, those such as a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who lost their entire cow herds through depopulation caused by disease and had no reference quota in 1983 will be favourably considered for a quota allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19425/99]

Ulick Burke

Question:

154 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has for the distribution of 32 million gallons milk quota as a result of Agenda 2000 adjustment; if he will confine distribution to the milk suppliers within the Objective One area with small quotas who have an inadequate income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19113/99]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 154 together.

Ireland obtained a specific allocation of 32 million gallons of additional milk quota under the Agenda 2000 agreement. Two thirds of this will be available with effect from 1 April 2000 with the balance available from 1 April 2001.

No final decision has been taken as of yet on how this additional milk quota will be distributed. Submissions have been received from the representative organisations setting out their views on the most appropriate allocation of the additional quota to the benefit of producers and the sector generally. In addition the matter has been discussed by the milk quota review group.

I am considering these views and I will make a decision in the matter in the near future.