asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the full extent by which milk quotas have been exceeded in the various co-operative catchment areas; the average loss to milk producers in those areas; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship being caused to milk producers who have some time ago exceeded their milk quota; that such producers have no income whatsoever; if he proposes to take any action to alleviate the difficulty; if he proposes to take any action to ensure there is no recurrence of these difficulties with consequent loss to milk producers; if he will consider the reappointment of milk quotas; if he intends taking any action at EC level; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Milk Quotas.
41.
As the super levy year does not end until 31 March, 1988 it is not possible to say, at this stage, to what extent, if any, quotas will be exceeded in any particular area.
I am aware of the difficulties that the quota system presents for certain producers. I have already sought to assist these farmers within the limited degree of flexibility available to me under the Community regulations. I understand that the deductions from milk payments now being made by certain co-ops or dairies are regarded as essential by them in order to cover possible levy payments due and to prevent those producers over quota from incurring even higher levy bills.
As regards the re-apportionment of quotas, this would only be possible if the original division of Ireland's quota among co-ops and dairies were altered. That distribution was on the basis of more favourable allocations to smaller scale producers throughout the country. I have no plans to make any such changes at this stage, but I am keeping the situation under review.