Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)

While I appreciate the Minister's answer, how does she suggest one will be able to retain quota in areas if the value of that quota is significantly higher in the low-cost areas of this country? History shows that one of the largest quotas in the country transferred from Donegal to Cork in the past under a technicality. Does she accept that in some cases co-operatives straddle this country which means that if the chequebook farmer has the right to buy, quota can move within that co-operative structure from one end of the country to the other?

The person to whom I refer in County Cavan is a young small farmer who wants to progress. He has detailed his situation and what it will cost him. Can the Minister guarantee she will be able to ensure that if a farmer wants to sell his quota in Monaghan or Donegal, it will be retained in the area concerned and that farmers will be able to buy it at a realistic price?

I possess a quota and therefore I have a personal interest. I want to declare that clearly. If I want to sell my quota I will try to give it to the highest bidder, no matter who that person is. How can the Minister guarantee that it will remain in the area? At EU level is the Minister seeking an increase in the quota for this area? It might be a more positive way of dealing with the situation.

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