Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 16 May 1995

Vol. 452 No. 8

Written Answers. - Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme.

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

48 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has to amend the subsidised milk quota restructuring scheme for 1995; the improvements, if any that will be made; his views on the need to keep quota within the disadvantaged areas; and the additional assistance, if any, that will be given in this regard. [8812/95]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

With a view to maximising the uptake of the moneys available from Structural Funds for the subsidisation of this year's restructuring scheme, I am currently in negotiation with the EU Commission to have the eligibility criteria made more suitable to Irish conditions. In particular, I am seeking a change in the conditions relating to income and the quota ceiling.

In relation to retaining quota in the disadvantaged areas, I have already announced that I intend to proceed with arrangements for the ring-fencing of quotas in these areas. In the context of this year's restructuring scheme, quota available for sale in more severely and less severely handicapped areas will be offered firstly to priority category producers located in those areas who are willing to purchase it. The availability of a subsidy towards such purchase will further contribute positively to the maintenance of milk production in the disadvantaged areas. This element of ring-fencing within the quota restructuring scheme will complement the more general ring fencing mechanism, the legislation for which is at an advanced stage of preparation.