Vol. 536 No. 3
76 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the steps he is taking to ensure that farmers who were denied additional milk quota as a result of a mistake when the milk quota system was introduced, will qualify for additional quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14056/01]
I have already indicated that, notwithstanding the fact that there was no legal obligation on me to do so, I would see what could be done for certain categories of development farmers in the context of the allocation of the additional 11.5 million gallons of quota available under Agenda 2000.
In that regard legal consultations are taking place with a view to establishing the options that are open to me. While the issues involved are complex, I hope that these consultations will be completed at an early date. At that stage a decision will be made on the permanent allocation of the remainder of the 11.5 million gallon reserve.
