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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 1

Written Answers. - Milk Quota.

Michael Creed

Question:

77 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will review the decision to confiscate dormant quota from a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23607/01]

When a milk producer does not utilise at least 70% of his or her quota by making deliveries to a purchaser or under a temporary leasing scheme, action may be taken under the European Communities (Milk Quota) Regulations, 2000, whereby all or part of the unused quantity may be added to the national reserve. The person named had an available quota of 39,587 litres, 8,708 gallons, in the milk quota year ending 31 March 2001. He utilised 25,176 litres, 5,538 gallons, that is, less than 70% of his quota by way of deliveries, and did not lease any quota into the temporary leasing pool.

In accordance with the regulation, the person named was notified by registered post on 18 July 2001 of the Department's proposal to add all or part of his quota to the national reserve. A further letter was issued on 3 August 2001. No written response was received and, on 3 September, the person named was again notified in writing and requested to submit any comments within seven working days.
These observations have now been received and are under consideration in the Department. The person named will be informed of the decision as soon as possible.
In the event of all or part of the milk quota being added to the national reserve, it will no longer be available for use by the person named. The regulations specifically provide, however, that should he propose to increase milk production he may apply for the return of that portion of his quota which is declared dormant and that the Minister shall grant that quota to the applicant no later than 1 April following the date of his application, provided that such an application has been received by the Minister prior to the first day of the preceding January. Application forms for such a request are available directly from the milk policy division of the Department.
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