Milk Quota

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012

Wednesday, 6 June 2012

Ceisteanna (728)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

732 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide information on the additional milk quota allocation provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; the rationale behind the allocation of this amount; the factors taken into account in determining same; if the amount is in line with other allocations in which there was a similar quota and lock-down period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26198/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

In order to mitigate some of the difficulty experienced by milk producers whose animal are locked up for disease reasons, my Department operates an Animal Disease Scheme whereby an allocation of additional quota is allocated under certain circumstances. The size of the allocation is dependent on both the number of applications received and the availability of quota from the National Reserve. The allocations are made on the basis of recommendations received from an independent Assessment Panel, who objectively examine each of the applications submitted. The Panel take factors like past production records; length of restrictions and nature of disease into account when making their recommendation. Demand for this quota significantly exceeds supply and this means that in general allocations are significantly less than that sought by the individuals concerned.

I understand the Tribunal recommended an allocation of 56,667 litres for the benefit of the named person.