I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 and 233 together.
The amendments to the beef premium regime which were adopted at the meeting of the Council in June included a new provision requiring farmers with a suckler cow quota in excess of 13 suckler cows to submit heifers for at least 15% their suckler cow premium claim. I am disappointed the European Commission has interpreted this provision in a manner which requires heifers submitted as part of the 15% requirement to be replaced if they calve down during retention. I raised that matter at the meeting of the Agriculture Council on 23 October and I also made strong representations to Commissioner Fischler subsequently on the issue. The FEOGA committee has, however, accepted the European Commission's interpretation.
I do not believe, however, that the more restrictive interpretation of the 15% heifer requirement will create major problems for Irish producers generally as two thirds of our farmers will be exempt from the requirement. In addition, premium statistics show that in general suckler cow producers have relatively low stocking densities and should be able to accommodate the necessary heifers on their farm. Furthermore, the Teagasc farm survey for 2000 shows that the average specialist suckler cow producers already have sufficient number of dry heifers on their holdings to meet the 15% requirement.