Vol. 543 No. 2
243 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will allocate the seven million gallons of milk which will become available for permanent allocation in 2002 to young trained farmers under 35 years of age on 1 January 2002; and if he will support this policy. [26211/01]
As the Deputy may be aware, I set aside seven million gallons from the additional quota which I negotiated under the Agenda 2000 agreement, for temporary allocation in the current quota year to producers adversely affected by the foot and mouth disease restrictions. Details of those allocations were announced last week.
With regard to the permanent allocation of that seven million gallons, I am currently considering the options that are open to me and a decision will be made on this very soon.
Over five million gallons were allocated in a scheme for younger dairy farmers with effect from the 2000-01 milk quota year, and in addition, a further four million gallons were allocated to younger dairy farmers in the current year.
