Two cases of irregularities in the EU milk quota system had been uncovered, the Minister for Agriculture revealed. Mr Yates said that in the case of one purchaser some national rules regarding the administration of the quota had not been correctly applied. The super levy had, however, been correctly calculated and fully paid to the Department and to the EU in the normal way. Therefore, the audit outcome had no financial impact.

In the second case, the audit found that the levy had not been correctly calculated and was, therefore, underpaid in two years. The shortfall had, however, since been fully paid with interest. Mr Yates was replying, on the adjournment, to the Fianna Fail spokesman on agriculture, Mr Brian Cowen.