asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food in view of the European Commission's proposals for alternative farming if he will now consider non-thoroughbred horses in headage payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Headage Payments.
22.
I am aware of the proposals in question and I generally welcome them. However, in the present budgetary situation it is not possible to meet the extra cost of making headage payments on non-thoroughbred horses. The matter is however, reviewed each year in the light of the budgetary situation then prevailing.
Mares registered with the Connemara Pony Breeders' Society are, of course, eligible for headage payments.