Vol. 514 No. 4
120 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if an application for an additional quota by a person (details supplied) in County Meath from the five million gallons special allocation will be considered favourably in view of his special medical condition and in order to help him achieve viability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4454/00]
The closing date for receipt by milk purchasers of applications under the scheme for the allocation of five million gallons of additional quota to younger dairy farmers with a milk quota of less than 35,000 gallons was 8 February 2000. The milk purchasers will submit the completed application forms to my Department and they will be processed as quickly as possible. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications. The quota will be available to successful applicants with effect from the 2000/2001 milk quota year.
It was necessary to set strict eligibility criteria for the allocation of the extra quota in order to maximise its effect.
I will, however, announce details in due course for the allocation of the remaining 500,000 gallons that has been set aside for special cases arising out of the operation of the general distribution and, if the person named qualifies under that scheme, he may apply at that stage.
