Mary Harney
Question:67 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the arrangements, if any, he has made for the administrations of the integrated administrative and control scheme.
Written Answers. - Integrated Administrative and Control Scheme.
The main elements of the integrated administration and control system required by EC Regulations which is being phased in over the period to 1 January 1996 are — (a) A computerised data base; (b) An alphanumeric identification system for agricultural parcels; (c) An alphanumeric system for the identification and registration of animals; (d) Aid applications; (e) An integrated control system.
I have arranged for the existing computerised data bases of my Department to be more closely integrated during 1993 so as to approach the ideal set out in the relevant EC Regulation. This should provide an overview across all aid schemes that will allow stocking densities and quotas to be applied and prevent double payment in respect of any particular areas or animals.
I have arranged for the distribution by mid-April to all farmers of area aid application forms. When these are completed by farmers and returned to my Department they will serve as a basis for compilation of the alphanumeric identification system for agricultural parcels which I have mentioned.
The present ERAD eartags and cattle identity cards are being taken as the basis of the alphanumeric system for the identification and registration of animals currently in force. I propose, however, to introduce by the 1 October 1993 deadline the new arrangements for earlier ear-tagging of cattle and the farm registers which are needed to ensure better compliance with the EC's Integrated Administration and Control Regulations.
Aid applications under the 1993 ewe premium and sheep headage schemes have already been received from farmers. All arable sector aid applications are being included in the area aid applications now being posted out to farmers while disadvantaged areas cattle and equine headage and suckler cow and special beef premium schemes applications will issue as normal during the rest of 1993.
In order to provide an integrated control system, I have arranged for all completed applications received to be linked together within my Department's computer system in such a way that (a) each area in respect of which area aid or area-linked aid is being claimed will be identified so as to prevent two different kinds of aid being paid in respect of that area and (b) that each animal on which special beef or suckler cow premium is being claimed will be identified to verify that it is eligible for premium and will not be paid the same premium twice.
I am happy that these arrangements I have made provide a very sound basis for future progress towards a fully integrated administration and control system for all EC aid schemes administered by my Department.