James Breen (Clare, Independent)
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Question 460: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food to ringfence milk quotas at county level to ensure quota is not bought up by bigger operators from outside counties to the detriment of farmers from the county of origin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6086/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The term "ringfencing" has been used in the context of the co-op based operation of Milk Quota schemes. The Milk Quota Regime in Ireland is operated at Milk Purchaser/Co-operative level in accordance with the Regulations set by my Department. The new Milk Quota Trading Scheme, which has replaced the Restructuring Scheme from the 2007-08 quota year, continues to operate at co-op level. Quota sold into a co-op, or group of co-ops, is available for purchase by that co-op's suppliers. Co-operatives are commercial entities that operate across county boundaries in many parts of the country, and I have no intention of changingthis.