Seamus Kirk
Ceist:218 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the operative date for the ring fencing of milk quota redistribution in the disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8877/95]
Written Answers. - Milk Quota System.
The ring-fencing of milk quota within the disadvantaged areas has already been introduced in the context of the milk quota restructuring scheme. Milk quota which becomes available under that scheme in the more severely and less severely handicapped areas is now reallocated on a priority basis to small scale milk producers in those same areas. This new element in the restructuring scheme proved to be successful in retaining quota in the disadvantaged areas and I have, therefore, decided to include this provision again in the 1995 scheme.
I have also decided to proceed with a more general ring-fencing measure aimed at maintaining milk production in the disadvantaged areas, and legislation for the introducing of this is presently at an advanced stage of preparation.