Michael P. Kitt
Question:254 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when the £30 million in BSE compensation and the £50 million of outstanding 1996 final premia will be paid. [3708/97]
Written Answers. - Compensation and Premia Payments.
I have not yet made a final decision on the distribution of the BSE compensation package which was adopted by the Agriculture Council last December. My Department is currently examining this issue in conjunction with the distribution of the aid which I am seeking from the European Union order to compensate producers for the effects of the recent revaluation of the Irish agricultural conversion rate.
As for the outstanding 1996 final premia, payment of special beef and suckler cow balances will commence early next week. Payment of the third instalment of the 1996 ewe premium will commence this week following publication on 8 February 1997 of the EU regulation setting the rate.