Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1993

Vol. 425 No. 7

Written Answers. - Suckler Cow Quota.

Ivan Yates

Question:

369 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has to ensure that friesian cows will be included in the eligibility for a suckler cow quota, especially for small producers, for a limited period in order that they could establish such a quota and in view of the current lack of availability of such beef breeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

For the purpose of establishing quotas for the suckler cow premium in 1992, farmers were allowed to apply in respect of dairy-type cows provided these cows were inseminated by a bull of a meat breed.

To be eligible for the premium in future, suckler cows will have to be pure meat breeds or the progeny of a cross with a meat breed. However, Ireland sought and obtained a derogation whereby producers who had received the premium in 1990 or 1991 will be allowed to include dairy-type cows inseminated by bulls of a meat breed on their applications for 1993 and 1994. However, the number of such cows eligible for the premium is limited to the total number of suckler cows in respect of which premium was paid in 1990 or 1991.