(Limerick East) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick due to the lack of a milk quota; that the person in question sold his cows on veterinary advice; if he will arrange to provide him with an adequate quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Milk Quota.
91.
The person referred to participated in the non-marketing of milk scheme from 1979 to 1984. There are no special provisions in the Community Regulations for producers who were in the non-marketing schemes. Therefore, those producers whose non-marketing period expired after 1983 have no entitlement to a permanent quota and are dependent on a temporary allocation from any flexi-milk available in their co-operatives or dairies.
However, as the Deputy may be aware there are two cases before the European Court at present, involving producers in a similar position in other member states. The court's verdict in these cases is expected to be announced shortly.
92.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food whether milk quotas will be made available to those farmers who joined milk cessation schemes for a limited period and on the basis that they could resume production and delivery of milk on the expiry of said periods.
I presume that the Deputy is referring to producers who participated in the non-marketing of milk schemes.
There are no special provisions in the Community Regulations on the levy system for such producers. Therefore, those producers whose non-marketing period expired before or during 1983 are entitled to a quota based on their actual 1983 deliveries, if they had re-commenced deliveries at that time. Those whose non-marketing period expired after 1983, have no entitlement to a permanent quota and are dependent on a temporary quota allocation from any flexi-milk available in their co-operatives or dairies.
However, as the Deputy may be aware there are two cases before the European Court at present involving producers in a similar position in other member states. The court's verdict in these cases is expected to be announced shortly.