Damien English
Question:67 Mr. English asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his plans to change the milk quota rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20698/02]
Written Answers. - Milk Quota.
Under Agenda 2000, apart from the increase in quota levels for Ireland, I negotiated also changes to the EU milk quota regulations which allowed for greater flexibility in how member states apply the system. Based on this, I introduced major changes to the regime in Ireland in the European Communities (Milk Quota) Regulations, 2000. I am satisfied that these have had a very positive effect and are achieving the objective of placing quota in the hands of active committed dairy producers at the lowest cost possible.
However, it is important to keep the matter under review to see if further improvements can be made and to that end I have requested the milk quota review group to examine the management of the milk quota regime with a view to making recommendations to me in this matter. The review group is comprised of representatives of my Department, the farm organisations, the dairy industry and technical experts and is chaired by a senior official of my Department.