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

46. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the milk quota situation and super-levy difficulties; if it is likely that the EU will remain significantly under quota in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39413/14]

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

Milk production in Ireland was 0.65% over quota in the 2013/2014 milk quota year and as a consequence a super levy fine of €10.0m was incurred. The due amount, having been collected from the milk producers who contributed to the oversupply, will be paid to the EU Commission, in accordance with the procedures set out in the EU Regulations, before end November 2014. All indications are that Ireland will again incur a super levy fine in the current and final milk quota year. Based on data received from the milk purchasers, the estimated position at the end of September is that Ireland is 6.93% above the apportioned quota for this time of the year. This is an increase on the end of August figure of 6.44% and significantly above the 0.42% over quota position of this time last year.

It remains critically important that individual milk producers continue to manage their enterprises, having regard to the quota situation, until the expiry of the milk quota regime next March. Milk producers who are in an over-quota position should consult with their dairy advisors and examine ways in which any potential super levy bill can be mitigated.

The most recent available information on the EU’s Milk Market observations indicates that EU Milk deliveries for the period of January to July 2014 are 5.8% higher than those for the same period in 2013.