Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if personal interview or specific farm visits are considered as part of the rigorous assessment process in relation to the allocation of milk quota from the new entrants scheme as administered by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28765/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department has received about 270 applications for consideration under this year's New Entrants to Dairying Scheme. The applications, which have been examined in my Department for eligibility, are currently being distributed to the members of the Assessment Panel for consideration. The Panel hope to be in a position to recommend a list of suitable applicants by mid August.

While the Detailed Rules of the Scheme provided for the possibility of a meeting with the Panel it is not availed of, nor has the Panel visited any farm lands for reasons of practicability and to avoid significant delays in the process.

Applicants are required to submit detailed Business Plans and the Panel has a substantial volume of detailed documentation with which to base a decision.

I am satisfied that this system has functioned well and that it ensures each application is subjected to a detailed and entirely objective assessment necessary for the successful operation of the Scheme.