Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

On 10 June 2009, the Minister announced details of the scheme for the allocation of milk quota to new entrants. While since then in excess of 80 application forms have issued to individuals who have expressed an interest in the scheme, no completed applications have, as yet, been returned to the Department. As the closing date is 31 July 2009, I expect that the majority of applications will arrive nearer that date.

The eligibility criteria for the scheme require that each applicant must satisfy certain education and training qualifications; have no milk quota, nor have been a producer previously; have a holding comprising lands owned and-or leased; have a separate independent herd number in which the dairy animals will be registered and have separate milking and milk storage facilities. The applicant must also submit a five-year business plan.

The closing date for applications is 31 July 2009 and it is expected that the assessment group will meet to consider applications in the week beginning 31 August 2009. Assessment of applications will be carried out by a group chaired by John Tyrrell, ICOS. New entrants who acquire quota under this scheme will be required to commence milk production by 1 April 2011.

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