Vol. 449 No. 7
226 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the amount of the super-levy fine facing farmers; whether he intends lobbying for changes to secure quota averaging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4506/95]
Estimated milk deliveries during the period April 1994 to January 1995 were approximately 1.44 per cent over quota. If this situation remains at the end of the quota year, Ireland will face a super-levy bill of the order of some £19 million.
The fat content of milk deliveries is also a factor in establishing levy liability. Present indications are that the fat content of deliveries to date in 1994-95 is very close to the national butterfat reference level. Any excess over this would add to the overall levy liability.
The averaging of milk production over a number of years was considered in the context of the fundamental review of the milk quota system which took place at EU level in 1992.
Member states were not willing however to adopt such a measure. A national review of the operation of the quota system is presently under way and all views expressed by the interested parties will be considered in this context.
At this stage of the milk quota year, I would urge that producers heed all the practical advice for dealing with their individual supply situations.
