Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 6

Written Answers. - Milk Quota.

John McGuinness

Question:

161 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if a milk quota will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who was encouraged by the local office to provide a milking parlour and stock in preparation for the quota; the policy of his Department in relation to new entrants and in particular young farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23342/99]

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

The national milk quota restructuring scheme is the main means by which quota is allocated to new entrants. A total of 15 per cent of the pool of quota available each year must be set aside for new entrants with quota who acquired quota for the first time on or after 1 April 1989 or for new entrants with no quota. Certain criteria must be fulfilled. In the case of new entrants with no quota the applicant must have a separate, independent herd number and separate milking and milk storage facilities. In addition he/she must be under 35 years of age and satisfy certain educational and training requirements. The restructuring scheme is administered at milk purchaser level. There is no record of the person named having made an application to a milk purchaser in his area under the 1999 scheme.