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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 7

Written Answers. - Special Beef Premium Scheme.

John Connor

Question:

73 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the fact that thousands of farmers throughout the country have been informed that numerous eligible animals entered for the special beef premium scheme, deadline date, 26 February 1993, are being disqualified on the grounds of age; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the information sheet issued to them to declare the age of the animals was misleading; and if he intends to make an order ensuring that no farmer applicant for this scheme will lose benefit because of the erroneous instructions issued to applicants when the scheme was initiated in January 1993.

I agree that there was some confusion in relation to the qualifying age for special beef premium during the introduction of the CAP reform regime. Under EU regulations male cattle have to be at least eight months old at the time of application for ten months premium and at least 21 months old at time of application for the 22 month premium. Some farmers applied on male cattle a month later than was allowed, strictly speaking, because they genuinely believed those animals were eight months or 21 months as required.

In essence this problem arose because exact dates of birth of male cattle are not being registered by farmers at present. My Department is pursuing the introduction of an administrative document system which will specify exact dates of birth in future and this will resolve the problem in the long term.

To resolve the particular problem which arose in 1993, I have decided, after consultation with the EU Commission, to apply a months's tolerance to allow payment on such animals applied on during January/February 1993 and June 1993 application periods. Details of this change were publicised last week. I am satisfied that this measure will resolve the problem which arose in relation to January/February and June 1993 application periods.

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