Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2004
226 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in replying to correspondence (details supplied) forwarded to her office; when a reply will be issued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28304/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe correspondence referred to by the Deputy concerns representations made by him on behalf of an individual milk producer who incurred a super levy liability in the quota year ended on 31 March 2004.
EU and national regulations on the milk quota system specify that, where the national quota is exceeded, the overrun must be shared between those producers who contributed to the excess. The regulations do not provide for exceptions in individual cases and therefore it is not open to me to intervene in these cases.
The amount of levy payable in individual cases can, of course, be reduced by the distribution of unused quota, flexi milk, resulting from other producers not filling their individual quotas. This distribution is done on the basis of objective criteria.
My Department on a regular basis throughout the year publishes estimates of milk deliveries and the extent to which these are under or over the national quota and advises producers to keep in close touch with their co-ops/dairies in this matter.
A reply in the case concerned has been issued to the Deputy.
