(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture whether the Commission of the European Communities has yet submitted to the Council of Ministers a proposal to increase the rate of refund from 50 per cent to a higher figure of 75 per cent in respect of the livestock headage payments made by Ireland under the disadvantaged areas directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Livestock Headage Payments.
99.
The Commission's proposal to provide a special financial contribution of £15 million on a 100 per cent recoupment basis to Ireland to supplement the 1986 compensatory allowances was approved by the Council of Ministers on 18 November 1986 and embodied in Council Regulation (EC) No. 3606/86. There are no other proposals to increase the rate of recoupment as suggested by the Deputy but the effect of Council Regulation (EC) No. 3606 is that some 75 per cent of the extra £32 million provided under this years disadvantaged area schemes will be recovered from the EC.