Joe Walsh
Question:75 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the level of ewe premium in 1995 and 1996; the total amount paid to sheep farmers in 1995; and the estimated payout in 1996. [20744/96]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
The level of premium payable under the 1995 ewe premium scheme to applicants in disadvantaged areas was £26.10 which included £5.51 rural world premium. The level payable to applicants in non-disadvantaged areas was £25.98 which included the £5.39 special once-off top-up paid in August 1996 to non-disadvantaged areas applicants. The estimated rate of premium payable in respect of the 1996 ewe premium for applicants in disadvantaged areas is £20.60 and £15.10 for those applicants in non-disadvantaged areas.
The total amount paid out to sheep farmers in 1995 in respect of 1994 and 1995 ewe premium and sheep headage schemes was £128.168 million. In 1996, some £101 million has already been paid to sheep farmers to date under the 1995 and 1996 sheep schemes and it is estimated that a further £33 million will be paid out by the year's end. This sum includes the £2.5 million special once-off top-up in respect of 1996 sheep headage applications.
The market price for sheepmeat in 1996 is running some 18 per cent above the 1995 levels.