asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the cattle premia payable as and from April 1989 with the conditions applicable in relation to each premium.
Written Answers. - Cattle Premia.
47.
There are two cattle premium schemes operated by the Department at present under the common organisation of the market for beef as laid down in EC Council Regulations 805/68 and 1357/80.
(1) The Special Male Beef Premium is payable on all male cattle over nine months old, subject to a maximum of 90 animals per calendar year per holding. It is payable once in the animals lifetime and must be paid in a single instalment. The rate of the premium is £34. All cattle on which the premium is paid must be permanently marked by either a perforation or marking of the ear.
(2) Under the Suckler Cow Scheme a premium of £55 per cow is paid to a farmer for maintaining suckler cows. The premium is paid on condition that the producer does not deliver milk or milk products for 12 months from the date of application. In addition the number of suckler cows and-or replacement in-calf heifers kept on the holding must equal the number on which the premium has been granted.