(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will give an estimate of the eventual Irish milk output in the current milk year; and the extent to which Ireland may be liable for the super-levy.

Milk deliveries in the current milk year to the end of October have been about 1.5 per cent above the quota. At this stage it is not possible to give a reliable estimate of final output for the year, as this will depend on weather and production conditions generally over the rest of the year as well as on the attitude of producers.

(Limerick West): Where another member state happens to produce less than its quota of milk, would there be a possibility of transferring that deficit as an addition to Ireland's quota?

There is a clause in the agreement of 18 months ago which gives us preferential treatment. It is something that will be discussed at some length by the Commission and the Council of Ministers, I presume. It has not arisen. I think it is unlikely that it will arise, but it is something that we will certainly be looking for, I take it.

(Limerick West): The Minister would look for it?

Certainly.

(Limerick West): What proposals has the Minister or his Department to ensure that there will not be a recurrence of an excess of our quota in the years ahead while the quota exists?

We will hold the Commission and the Council to the wording of the agreement which was made at that time.

(Limerick West): I think the Minister has misunderstood me. What plans would his Department have to ensure that we do not exceed our quota?

That is a matter for the producers, the co-operative societies and the creameries in general. They will have to use their common sense in the matter. They know what they are up against.

(Limerick West): Surely they need direction from the Minister's Department? Is he going to wash his hands totally of the matter?

I have constantly advised them to watch out in case they exceed their quotas. I have issued press releases in recent weeks.

Nobody believes the Minister.

(Limerick West): The Minister has given no direction.

Let the Minister allocate the quotas to them and they will monitor them a bit better.