Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)

The Minister mentioned that the milk quotas will end in 2015. Our system is currently bursting at the seams, but farmers are increasing their herds because there is a fear prices might collapse when the quota system is finished. It is difficult to juggle both increasing one's herd and trying to keep within quota limits. It is a European issue which must be dealt with at European level, and I trust the Minister will do that. In the meantime, however, we do not want young farmers to be discouraged from dairy farming as a result of trying to comply with the quota but exceeding it. The sum of €11 million eventually trickles down to the farmers, who will ultimately end up paying it. We do not wish to discourage young farmers from dairy farming because that will do no good for the Irish economy. What steps will the Minister take to try to ease the transition for farmers between now and 2015 and to try to ensure they do not exceed quotas?

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