Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22133/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My understanding is that the named person is not in a position, for health reasons, to utilise his quota but is anxious to retain it for a number of years in order to provide his son with access to milk quota, should his son decide to become a dairy farmer. Under the Milk Quota Regulations, a person who is unable to supply milk for two consecutive quota years is entitled to retain his quota for that period, before it reverts to the National Reserve in April of the third year. During that period he may lease the quota to a qualified relative, or a company in which milk producers hold a majority shareholding. These arrangements may be extended where exceptional circumstances temporarily affect production capacity. I understand that 2012/2013 quota year will be the first year in which the person named does not supply milk. Suppliers entering their third year in this category are contacted by my Department prior to their quota going dormant, giving them the opportunity to explain the reason for their non-supply.

However, it should be noted that the milk quota regime will be abolished on 31 March 2015. After this date, milk production and supply will be a matter for individual milk producers and their respective Co-operatives/Dairies. Consequently, I would advise that the named person might consider contacting his milk purchaser for information regarding its plans for the post milk quota era and whether it is in a position to offer any information regarding his position. If the named person proposes to reactivate his quota before 31 March 2015 he can contact my Department, who will advise him on his options.