asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware of the numerous farmers who on his advice and on the advice of the lending institutions and creameries, became involved in milk production in 1981, 1982, 1983 and who in 1983 had a very low level of production and therefore a very low quota; and the proposals he has to accommodate such farmers to achieve viability and escape bankruptcy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Production.
39.
I have sought to accommodate some of these farmers within the limited degree of flexibility available to me under the Community regulations. In July last I established a special reserve to give additional quotas to new entrants who began milk deliveries between January 1983 and May 1984 and whose existing quotas were low. Many of the farmers referred to are also entitled to priority in the distribution of any "flexi-milk" available in their areas.
It should be borne in mind, however, that under the quota system any arrangement to provide extra quotas for a particular class of producers must involve making reductions in the quotas of other suppliers and clearly there must be a limit to the extent to which this can be done.