asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will arrange for payment of grants under the Beef Cattle Incentive Scheme to farmers who sell milk to creameries in districts where the new EEC disadvantaged area scheme applies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beef Incentive Scheme.
29.
It is a fundamental condition of the beef cattle incentive scheme that grants may not be paid under that scheme to farmers engaged in commercial milk production. I do not propose to alter that condition. However, dairy farmers in those areas where the livestock headage payments on cattle will apply under the EEC disadvantaged areas directive may qualify for such headage payments under the directive on up to ten dairy cows as well as on other stock. I expect to announce details of these payments shortly.
Is the Minister saying that grants under the beef cattle incentive scheme will be paid to persons selling milk to creameries?
I am saying they will get the benefit of the livestock headage payment up to ten cows in those areas that qualify for headage payments.