Vol. 517 No. 3
61 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to meet with the concerned milk quota holders group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9675/00]
Since my announcement of the changes to the management of the milk quota regime I have received representations from and on behalf of this and other organisations. I met representatives of this organisation twice in the past few months and I am fully aware of their views.
In response to the concerns raised by the group in question, which relate largely to the position of quota holders no longer involved in milk production, I have already outlined in detail the options open to its members under the new regime. I have addressed the points raised by the group in the House. Officials of my Department have also attended meetings of the joint oireachtas committee at which the organisation was also represented and responded to questions raised by members of the committee.
I have consulted widely on the detailed arrangements under the new regime which I believe are in the best interests of the future development of the industry and those committed to active milk production. It is my considered view that all the points raised by this group have been comprehensively and sympathetically dealt with and have been taken into account to the greatest extent possible.
