asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of declining farm income and the absence of profitable alternatives to dairying, he will now consider extending the suckler grant scheme to dairy farmers with low milk quotas; his views on whether this proposal is necessary for the purpose of protecting the beef industry and supplementing farm income on low income dairy farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Suckler Grant Scheme.
180.
The EC suckler cow scheme is operated under EC rules, one of which is that the applicant must not dispose of milk commercially from his-her holding during the 12 months after date of application. Accordingly, it would not be possible to extend the scheme to milk suppliers of any kind.