Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004
367 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Sligo has applied for additional quota from the national reserve: if a favourable decision will be made in view of the fact that he is a full-time farmer, with substantial borrowings, and taking into consideration the fact that his herd was locked up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28945/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAllocations of milk quota from the national reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the milk quota appeals tribunal. The tribunal is a body established to consider and advise on applications for additional quota from individual producers who have suffered severe hardship in the context of the milk quota system.
The named person submitted an application for additional quota on the grounds of hardship in the 2003-04 milk quota year. However, there was insufficient quota available in the 2003-04 year to enable the tribunal to deal with all applications received and some, including that from the named individual, were held over for consideration in the current 2004-05 quota year, and it was not necessary for the person to make a fresh application. The tribunal examined his application recently and recommended an allocation of additional quota, effective from the 2004-05 quota year. The person concerned and his co-operative have been notified of this allocation.
The tribunal also considers applications from producers whose herds have been restricted by animal disease such as TB or brucellosis during the quota year. The person named also submitted an application on the grounds of animal disease in the 2003-04 year. The tribunal examined his application last March, but it was unable to recommend an allocation on that occasion. However, if the person's herd is restricted in the current 2004-05 quota year he may apply again under the animal disease scheme.
