Question No. 12.

Does the Minister propose to take any action to alleviate the kind of hardship that occurred in the year just ended where producers had seriously exceeded quotas? At this stage it might be a good idea to formulate plans to ensure that the same does not occur in the current year.

I agree but in fact the excess over quota in Ireland, despite all the threats and worries and anxieties regularly expressed was not very large at all and the excess was much less than in any other country.

Serious hardship was caused in the meantime.

I agree that the last few weeks were unsatisfactory. I have already indicated that there will be a system of regular monthly reporting this year and my Department will constantly review the position. I am sure that we will not face a problem next year.

They are already running at over 10 per cent of the quota.

You should be a German or a French farmer and you would know what it means.

I have called Question No. 12.