Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jan 2000

Vol. 513 No. 1

Written Answers. - Milk Quota.

John Perry

Question:

258 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if a person (details supplied) will be allocated the required quota in view of his circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1244/00]

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

I have already indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 42 of 9 December 1999 of the eligibility criteria for the allocation of the additional 20.5 million gallons of milk quota that becomes available from 1 April 2000. Fifteen million gallons will be allocated to active milk producers with quotas of less than 55,000 gallons who have demonstrated a commitment to dairying by filling their existing quota and acquiring additional quota. A further 5 million gallons will be allocated to younger dairy farmers who have shown similar commitment. It was necessary to set strict eligibility criteria for the allocation of the extra quota in order to maximise its effect.

The scheme for the allocation of the 15 milion gallons is being administered by the dairy co-operatives on the basis of criteria set by me. On the basis of the information available to my Department the person named does not meet all of the eligibility criteria for these schemes and therefore is not entitled to an allocation.

I will announce details in due course for the allocation of the remaining 500,000 gallons that has been set aside for special cases arising out of the operation of the general distribution and if the person named qualifies under that scheme he may apply at that stage.