I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 79 together.
In the reform of the CAP introduced in 1993, eligibility for the suckler cow scheme was confined to cows of beef or predominantly beef breeds. Farmers were, however, allowed a two year transition period to meet this requirement. Therefore, in 1993 and 1994 farmers could be paid suckler cow premium on cows belonging to non-beef breeds such as Friesians up to the total number of suckler cows on which they had been paid premium in 1990 or 1991 and provided those cows had been inseminated by bulls of beef breeds.
From 1995 the revised eligibility rules applied in full. Farmers were informed by the Department that only suckler cows of a beef or predominantly beef breed were eligible for suckler cow premium. Where a farmer openly applied in 1995 for suckler cow premium on a Friesian cow, the only penalty applied was that for the animal in question the premium was not paid; full premium was paid on the remaining eligible cows.