asked the Minister for Agriculture the increase in milk production in January 1984, February 1984, March 1984 and April 1984 over the same months in 1983; and the expected increase for the year 1984 over 1983.

The increases were 16.1 per cent in January, 15.4 per cent in February, 5.3 per cent in March and 2.3 per cent in April. The increase for the year as a whole will depend primarily on weather and production conditions generally over the balance of the year and the attitudes of producers. I have, however, urged producers to make every effort to ensure that production in the year to March 1985 will meet the 4.64 per cent increase over the 1983 level which is provided for in the EEC milk super-levy arrangement.

562.

asked the Minister for Agriculture the steps he is taking to ensure that small farmers in the west of Ireland will be allowed to increase milk production which they must do in order to survive; and if he will support the responsible proposals in this regard by the farming organisation.

563.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he has indicated to the farming organisations and co-ops that he is in favour of preferential treatment for the western region in the allocation of milk quotas.

564.

asked the Minister for Agriculture the progress that is being made in the discussions between his Department and interested bodies regarding the question of the allocation of milk quotas on a regional basis.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 562, 563 and 564 together.

Officials of my Department have had meetings recently with representatives of the farming and co-operative organisations to discuss the operation of the milk super-levy system. Among the complex issues discussed was the possibility of allocating portion of the total Irish quota so as to provide additional quantities for certain categories of producers. In response to requests from all sides further discussions are to take place next week and I will then make the necessary decisions in the matter.