Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Sheepmeat Industry.

Pat Gallagher

Question:

878 Mr. Gallagher (Laoighis-Offaly) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will support the changes in EU sheepmeat policy, such as a ewe premium top-up in member states where lamb prices are a specified percentage below the EU average price; the bringing forward of the ewe premium application date to November each year; the extension of the extensification premium to sheep producers; the continuation of the rural world premium of £5.51 per ewe to producers in non-disadvantaged areas; the removal of the 7 per cent stabiliser mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15652/96]

Pat Gallagher

Question:

880 Mr. Gallagher (Laoighis-Offaly) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the changes which the IFA is seeking in EU sheepmeat policy; the action, if any, he proposes to take in respect of these issues during the Irish Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15657/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 878 and 880 together.

I am aware of the proposals referred to by the Deputy. I have submitted a Memorandum to Commissioner Fischler as an input to a forthcoming EU Commission review of the Sheepmeat quota regime. The Commission report is expected to be submitted to the Council of Agriculture Ministers in the autumn. My position will be determined by the nature of any Commission report.

Pat Gallagher

Question:

881 Mr. Gallagher (Laoighis-Offaly) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will support an increase in the headage payment of £5 per ewe in disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15658/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

The level of headage payment which is made in respect of ewes in the disadvantaged areas is currently £10 per eligible ewe. This assistance is co-funded by the EU Structural Funds (65 per cent) and the National Exchequer (35 per cent). An increase, such as the Deputy has suggested, would not be possible within the EU Rules for headage payments and in any event such a change in rates would involve prohibitive cost. The total Structural Funding which will be made available up to 1999 has been agreed so that any increase in funding for one scheme can only take place at the expense of some other scheme within the envelope of funds.