Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will report on the conditions attached to milk quota received under the development farmer agenda 2000; if, in the case of farmers who received such quota and who decide to withdraw from dairy farming, this quota will have to revert to the national reserve; if so, if there is a plan to change this ruling; if this is a European Directive or a Directive of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16867/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The quota allocated from the National Reserve under the Agenda 2000 quota scheme known as the 32 Million Litre Scheme, is available to the recipients for their own use while they remain in milk production. When a recipient ceases milk production, the quota reverts to the national reserve other than where the recipient's quota is transferred to a family member by way of inheritance or similar transfer.

I have no plans at present to change this policy. Under EU regulations the allocation of milk quota from the national reserve must be carried out on the basis of objective criteria determined by the Member State and notified to the European Commission.