Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 4

Written Answers - Common Agricultural Policy.

Michael Noonan

Question:

197 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the implications Commissioner Fischler's recent proposals will have for retired farmers who are leasing land and milk quota; the steps he will take to ensure that there will continue to be a market for leasing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6495/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Under the European Communities (Milk Quota) Regulations 2000, (S.I. No. 94 of 2000), the creation of new leases of land and quota is restricted to leases between close relatives as defined in the regulations. Existing leases due to expire can, however, be renewed provided the same lessees are involved. In cases involving participants in the early retirement scheme there is provision to allow for a new lessee where the original lessee is unable to continue due to exceptional circumstances.

However, as the Deputy may be aware, the Commission proposals on a single farm payment include the creation of an entitlement to dairy premium payments established on the basis of the quota available on a producer's holding on 31 March 2004. Where the holding and quota are leased, the lessee would, under the proposals as they stand, be entitled to that payment. I stress, however, that these are merely proposals and have no standing beyond that.