Michael Creed
Question:124 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason for his Department's decision to change the regulations governing the milk quota regime. [3901/00]
Written Answers. - Milk Quota.
The regulatory framework arising from the Agenda 2000 agreement allows for greater flexibility in the operation of the milk quota regime. I have decided to take the opportunity to make changes in the system which operates in Ireland in order to ensure that active, committed producers have greater access to quota over the coming years.
The objectives of the new arrangements are to provide for more flexibility and certainty for milk producers in the operation of the milk quota regime; greater priority access to additional permanent milk quota for small scale and medium size producers; the retention of as many dairying enterprises as possible; and greater competitiveness within the milk production sector.