Vol. 528 No. 3
82 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the assistance he can give to young farmers in County Waterford regarding their desire for a future in the dairy industry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30225/00]
In the operation of various schemes under the milk quota regime over the years, particular regard has been paid to the position of younger farmers.
In the allocation of the 20.5 million gallons of additional quota which took effect from 1 April 2000, I set aside five million for young farmers. In the region of 3,000 successful applicants received an allocation and the majority of these also received an allocation under the 15 million gallon scheme which also took effect from 1 April 2000.
I have not yet taken a decision on the allocation of the 11.5 million gallons of further additional milk quota that will be available from 1 April 2001.
I have consulted with the various social partners in the industry on this issue and specifically with the milk quota review group, which is representative of all the various interests. I will consider their views carefully before making my decision.
