Michael Creed
Ceist:203 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the circumstances whereby the lessor of milk quota can recoup the clawback if he re-enters active milk production. [9589/99]
Written Answers. - Milk Quota.
The milk quota clawback measure was introduced in October 1996 in order to encourage non-active quota holders to re-direct their quota away from private land transactions and to offer it instead to the restructuring or temporary leasing schemes. The quota is then available to small scale producers who have first priority status under both schemes.
Quota becoming available as a result of clawback is added to the national reserve and is allocated to producers, free of charge, on hardship grounds or on a temporary basis on animal disease grounds.
There are no provisions in place which allow for the return of the quota surrendered under the clawback arrangements.
The Deputy will be aware that there are specific land transactions to which the clawback arrangements do not apply.