Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2013
362. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a dairy farmer (details supplied) in County Donegal was refused a quota under the new entrant scheme; the number of farmers in County Donegal who have applied under this scheme for a quota; the number granted a quota and details of the amount of quota granted; the number refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51895/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the five years of the New Entrants to Dairying Scheme eligible applications have been received from some 800 farmers and milk quota been allocated to 410 successful applicants. Within that time frame five eligible applications have been received from farmers in Co. Donegal, two of whom were successful each receiving an annual quota allocation of 200,000 litres.
The person named by the deputy was an applicant in the 2013 Scheme but his application was unsuccessful. The Assessment Panel considered that the Business Plan and supporting documents submitted by him were not as strong as those received from other applicants in demonstrating that the level of resources, in the form of land and buildings, were available to establish an efficient and sustainable dairy enterprise.
