Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 20 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 3

Written Answers. - Suckler Cow Quota.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

244 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if an early decision will be made on the appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in respect of their suckler cow quota in view of the fact that this person is changing his system in farming and has been advised to sell his quota at an early date. [9985/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Under EU regulations, farmers holding suckler cow quotas of seven premium rights or more, are required to use at least 90 per cent of that quota every year, otherwise the part not used will be forfeited and returned to the national reserve.

The person named held a suckler cow quota of 25 premium rights in 1997. He applied for the 1997 suckler cow premium scheme in respect of 19 cows, 79 per cent of his quota, and he stood to forfeit the six premium rights he did not use.

However, on appeal, he was allowed retain the full quota for 1998 on the basis that he would use at least 90 per cent in 1998. He applied for the 1998 suckler cow premium scheme, again on 19 cows, and as this is less than the required 90 per cent, the unused six premium rights have been returned to the national reserve.