Vol. 536 No. 4
100 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has met with the Milk Quota Rights Group recently; the decision he has come to on this matter; and when the Government expects to make a decision on this matter. [14438/01]
I have met this group in the past and officials of my Department met them on a number of occasions, including a recent meeting. I have already indicated that, notwithstanding the fact that there was no legal obligation on me to do so, I would see what could be done for certain categories of development farmers in the context of the allocation of the additional 11.5 million gallons of quota available under Agenda 2000.
In that regard legal consultations are taking place with a view to establishing the options that are open to me. While the issues involved are complex, I hope that this consultation will be completed at an early date. At that stage a decision will be made on the permanent allocation of the remainder of the 11.5 million gallon reserve.
