Dáil Éireann - Volume 494 - 30 September, 1998

Written Answers - Milk Quota.

Mr. Hogan Mr. Hogan

316. Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will increase the milk quota from 25,630 gallons to 30,000 gallons for small holders so as to allow them qualify for additional premia under the suckler cow scheme for the year ending 1998 in view of the serious drop in farm incomes being experienced by this category of farmer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17369/98]

Mr. Yates Mr. Yates

322. Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proposals, if any, he has to raise the ceiling in relation to the 25,000 gallons beyond which one is not allowed to have suckler cow premium quota payments; if so, the proposed increase and the timescale for the proposed change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17395/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh) Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh): I propose to take Questions Nos. 316 and 322 together.

EU Regulation 805/68 allows for the payment of suckler cow premium to small scale milk producers whose certified milk quota does not exceed 25,638 gallons or 120,000 kgs. A change to this eligibility criterion would require an amendment to the Council regulation based on a proposal from the European Commission. At this stage there is no such proposal from the Commission.

Any proposal to provide additional access to suckler cow quotas must be seen in the light of the current Commission proposal under Agenda 2000 to reduce existing individual quotas.

Dáil Éireann 494 Written Answers Milk Quota.

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