Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1547: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the milk quota regulations whereby persons availing of temporary leasing of their quota to their co-op must in the revised regulations have supplied a minimum of 20% of their milk in the quota year in question; the reason for the introduction of the 20% requirement; the failure of his Department to give advance notice of this change introduced in the current milk quota year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29882/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The decision to introduce the 20% requirement to this year's Temporary Leasing Scheme was informed, as always, by my stated objective of ensuring that as much milk quota as possible is made available on a permanent basis to active, committed milk producers. Unfortunately, in recent years many quota holders have repeatedly supplied nominal or token amounts of milk to their Co-ops and temporarily leased the balance of their quotas. While this may have kept their own options open, the practice has effectively slowed down the permanent transfer of quota to active producers who needed to acquire it. Producers must, therefore, now demonstrate their bona fides by supplying at least 20% of their quotas before they can avail of temporary leasing. However, provision continues to be made for producers affected by force majeure or other duly justified circumstances to seek an exemption from the 20% requirement.

It should be noted also that this change to the regulations was made following full consultation with the Milk Quota Review Group, which is comprised of the farming organisations and ICOS, and advises me on all matters relating to the milk quota regime.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1548: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received an application under the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal hardship cases — 0809 from a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when applications received will be adjudicated on; and if he will consider this application in view of the hardship outlined. [29883/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The person named submitted an application for additional milk quota to the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal under the Hardship category in respect of the 2008/2009 quota year. The application was acknowledged on 17 July last.

The Tribunal is currently working through all of the Hardship applications. When a recommendation has been made in this case, a letter will issue to the person named and his Co-Operative informing them of the result.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1549: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm receipt of an application for milk quota from the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal from a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29885/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The person named submitted an application for additional milk quota to the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal under the Hardship category in respect of the 2008/2009 quota year. The application was acknowledged on 17 July last. The Tribunal is currently working through all of the Hardship applications and when a recommendation is made in this case a letter will issue to the person named and his Co-Operative advising of the result.