EC Milk Cessation Scheme and Irish Quota
Walsh asked whether milk offered under the proposed scheme would stay in Ireland and whether the previous assurance against reducing Ireland’s quota would be enforced. Deasy said he had raised the clause, but discussions were preliminary; he would seek the best outcome for the Irish milk industry and welcomed Walsh’s support.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will ensure that any milk offered under the proposed EC milk cessation scheme will be retained within the country.
Comment on this
In the negotiations on this scheme my objective will be to achieve the best possible result for the Irish milk industry.
Comment on this
The Minister will be aware that there was also a clause in the agreement made two years ago giving a firm assurance that there would be no reduction in Ireland's milk quota. Will the Minister be seeking implementation of that clause?
Comment on this
I have already quoted that clause in the initial discussions on this EC milk cessation scheme. Those discussions are at a very preliminary stage. I anticipate that they will go on for a considerable number of months. These are only proposals. There has been no real hard discussion as yet.
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware that the implementation of that proposal would have a catastrophic effect on this country? We will be looking to him to insist on the implementation of this clause.
