Relief for restricted herd producers
But Ms Coughlan said the amount of quota available was limited and applicants should not expect allocations to match their additional production.
She said the scheme aimed to alleviate difficulties when a herd is restricted, but should not be seen as releasing restricted producers from their quota management responsibilities.
The closing date for receipt of applications is November 18, except for producers who become restricted after that date.
Ms Coughlan, announcing the national reserve for 2005-2006, said she had simplified the scheme in relation to permanent allocations, where priority will be given to small-scale dairy farmers committed to and dependent on dairying.
The closing date for receipt of these applications is November 4. The Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal will examine each case and make its recommendations.
Ms Coughlan also announced a change in the treatment of previous national reserve allocations on the transfer of entire milk quotas between family members.
From this year, the transferee will retain the national reserve allocations granted to the transferor. In the past, such cases were examined case by case.
Ms Coughlan said the allocations will retain the status of national reserve allocations and are not saleable, but will revert to the reserve on the transferee ceasing milk production.
