Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Jul 1993

Vol. 433 No. 6

Written Answers. - National Milk Quota.

Brendan Smith

Question:

107 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if, in view of the outcome of the meeting of the Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting on 24 and 25 May 1993, he will provide financial assistance to small dairy producers who wish to purchase additional milk quota in the forthcoming restructuring scheme; and if he will ensure that the North West/North East share of the national quota is maintained in that region in view of the critical importance of the dairy industry in that area.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

I am at present considering a scheme of assistance for small-scale milk producers involving the use of the funds agreed at the meeting of the Council of Ministers on 24-25 May 1993 and I hope to make an announcement shortly.

I fully appreciate the importance of the dairy industry in the north west-north east region and full account will be taken of this in any decisions which I take affecting the quota position of the region.