Ivan Yates
Question:145 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the Government sought a dairy cow premium during the Common Agricultural Policy reform negotiations; and, if so, the reason this was subsequently not agreed.
Written Answers. - Dairy Cow Premium.
The original Common Agricultural Policy reform proposals put forward by the EC Commission included a dairy cow premium which would be payable subject to certain conditions. This premium was part of a package of proposals for the dairy sector which included substantial price reductions and quota cuts. I am satisfied that there was a better balance of advantage for Ireland's dairy sector in the package finally agreed which involved no dairy cow premium but a much smaller price reduction and a reconsideration at a later date of the need for any quota cut.