John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 579: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, regarding an application to the scheme for allocation of milk quota to new entrants in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, if he will review the response, as he stated in writing that they were refused because of their lack of qualification, which is incorrect, and not because the application was late; if he will consider again the applicant's qualifications and approve the application; if he will check the tracking number, which shows it was posted in time; and if he will expedite a response. [22319/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The 2011 Scheme for the Allocation of Milk Quota to New Entrants was announced on 31 January 2011, with a closing date of 8 April 2011. It was requested in the detailed rules of the scheme that applicants should ensure they allow sufficient time for their application to reach the designated office before the closing date. While the tracking number referred to may provide evidence of postage before the closing date, it also provides evidence that the application in question was not received in the Department until 11 April. There was significant over-subscription to this scheme.

It is regrettable that the incorrect notification letter issued to the named person; however, the fact remains that the application was not received by the closing date and, it was for this reason, rather than for the reason of educational qualifications, that the application was not submitted to the assessment group for consideration.

Accordingly, I cannot accede to your request in this matter. I would of course point out that the applicant can apply in the event of a future scheme being launched in relation to new entrants.