Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2004
35 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the estimate of the amount by which Ireland will overproduce milk for 2003-04; the likely cost of the resultant super levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9196/04]
View answerThe milk quota-super levy year runs from 1 April to 31 March. It is, therefore, too early to say whether the quota will be exceeded or to indicate the level of any possible excess.
However, at the end of February, the estimated position based on returns from co-operatives and dairies was that Ireland was approximately 1% over profile for the April-February period. At that stage and, indeed, over the previous months, I had advised producers to keep a close eye on their quota position and to keep in close contact with their co-operative or dairy in relation to the overall position. The situation at the end of March, therefore, will depend on the ability of producers to manage their quotas over the final few weeks of quota year.
If at the end of quota year, Ireland's milk production was 1% over quota, as it was at the end of February, the super levy to be paid by producers would be just over €19 million.
