The named person was an applicant under my Department’s Hardship Scheme.
Allocations of quota on the grounds of hardship are based on recommendations made by the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal, which operates in accordance with objective criteria outlined in the explanatory note that accompanied the application form, and the overall volume is determined by the projected volume of quota available from the National Reserve.
As a result of the assessment process, which took place in September 2012, the entire pool of quota assigned for distribution under this scheme has been utilised. Having regard to the high level of demand on the National Reserve, it will not be possible in the current milk quota year to allocate additional quota for distribution under this scheme.
I regret that I cannot be of more assistance on this occasion.