Cecilia Keaveney
Question:71 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the current position in relation to the ewe premium top-up mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20717/96]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
An EU Council Regulation, published on 6 August 1996, authorised the payment of a special premium for ewes in lowland flocks which had qualified for a premium payment in 1995 but had not qualified for the rural world premium. Payment to producers of £5.39 per eligible ewe commenced on 9 August 1996 and all payments, amounting to £5.73 million, have now been completed.
The EU Commission also approved the payment of a top-up in headage payments amounting to £1 per mountain ewe and £2 per hogget. This payment, which is expected to amount to £2.6 million, will be made in the course of this month.