asked the Minister for Agriculture when inspections for ewe premiums were carried out in each of the years from 1980 to 1986, inclusive.
Written Answers. - Ewe Premium Inspections.
231.
Inspections under the EC ewe premium scheme were carried out in the following periods for each marketing year shown:
|
Marketing year |
|
|
Period of Inspections |
|
|
1980/81 (a) |
January/February 1981 (see notes) |
|
1981/82 (b) |
May to August 1981 |
|
1982/83 |
May to August 1982 |
|
1983/84 |
May to August 1983 |
|
1984/85 (c) |
Mid March to end June 1985 |
|
1985 (d) |
Mid-March to end June 1986 |
|
1986 (e) |
To be determined |
Notes:
(a) Because the scheme was introduced in late 1980, the sheep headage inspections for 1980 were used for ewe premium purposes in the disadvantaged areas while outside these areas, random inspections were carried out in January and February 1981.
(b) For the marketing years 1981-82 to 1983-84, it was possible under the EC Regulations then in force to carry out inspections during each marketing year.
(c) Changes in the EC Regulations notably the introduction of a 100 day retention period during which flocks must be inspected involved a switch to later inspections for 1984-85. As sheep numbers have increased in recent years, this is to be advantage of most flock owners in Ireland.
(d) Marketing years previously covered the year ending April but this was changed to a calendar year basis for 1986. The "year" 1985 covers, in effect, a nine month period.
(e) Inspection arrangements in respect of the 1986 marketing year have yet to be finalised in Brussels.