Vol. 470 No. 7
248 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the action, if any, he proposes to take to alleviate the difficulties with milk quotas being experienced by a number of farmers in the Limerick area who are suppliers of a company (details supplied). [19789/96]
An investigation has been carried out into the administration of the milk quota system in the company named. The quota of individual producers attached to that concern during the period under review forms part of this investigation.
Many of the difficulties being faced by producers attached to this company in the current year are however also being faced by milk producers nationally in the context of excess milk production and a projected national super levy liability of up to £40 million.
A major factor this year has been the increased demand for quota, particularly under the temporary leasing scheme. I put special arrangements in place for the second and third stage of that scheme which would direct any available quota to those producers with the greatest need. The recently announced clawback will also be of benefit over time to smaller scale producers who require additional quota.
