Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

Even if a deal was done on butterfat correction it would only give us 2% flexibility. We are still above that rate, even though farmers have cut back significantly. It does not solve our problem but eases it somewhat. Any solution should not reward people for being massively over quota. People who have been careful and planned responsibly for expansion to operate within the quota system should not be at a disadvantage. The idea that we would fine people for planning for expansion but who produce slightly over quota is something we need to try to avoid and we are trying to do that.

The conversation I had with the Deputy on seeking a butterfat correction is still on the table and on the agenda for a number of countries, in particular Denmark and the Netherlands. Other countries were fined last year and supported us strongly. A number of new member states, in particular Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, see opportunities pre-2015 in terms of increasing dairy output.

A minority of countries in the Council would support us on this issue. Even France is willing to consider it in an effort to try to be helpful. The German Minister has not ruled it out but has outlined why it would be difficult for her to do it and sell it to German farmers and unions. We are endeavouring to try to make progress. The message to farmers must be clear. We need to reduce output to try to remain within quota if we are to avoid fines.

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