I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 225 together.
Headage payments to farmers in disadvantaged areas are financed by a combination of EC Structural Funds and support from the National Exchequer. In so far as the EC element is concerned, these payments are currently supported under the 1989-93 round of the Structural Funds. The next round of these funds will apply over the six years 1994-99 and I am confident that further Structural Funds rounds will be negotiated beyond that date.
The detailed arrangements for any of the measures, including headage payments to be supported from the next round of the Structural Funds, can only be finalised when decisions are taken regarding Ireland's overall share of the funds and on the amounts to be devoted to each particular activity. However, I can give an assurance that the headage scheme will continue to be adequately funded by the Government and that farmers in the disadvantaged areas will continue to receive substantial and needed income support in the form of headage payments.