Vol. 470 No. 2
157 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the current position in relation to the proposals by the EU Commission to cut arable aid and set-aside payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18688/96]
The EU Commission's proposal to cut arable aid payments is presently being considered by the Council of Agricultural Ministers. While I do not accept that the proposed cut is necessary to meet the costs of the Commission's beef proposals, if, however, any cut is adopted my aim will be to minimise its effect on grain growers in this country, especially small producers.
