John Ellis
Question:233 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when payment of extensification grants will be made. [8640/97]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
John Ellis
Question:234 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when the balance of premia for suckler cows and beef will be paid. [8641/97]
The position is that payment of balancing amounts under the 1996 special beef premium and suckler cow premium commenced on 19 and 20 February 1997 respectively. To date some 65 per cent of suckler cow balancing payments and some 60 per cent of special beef premium balancing payments have been made. Payments are continuing with a view to maximising the number of cases paid by the end of March and to ensuring that the remainder are paid by the end of June 1996 in line with EU requirements and the Charter of Rights for Farmers.
In so far as 1996 extensification premium is concerned the position is that payment cannot be made until such time as balancing payments under the suckler cow and special beef premium schemes have been made. The intention is to make payment of extensification premium in the period April-June 1996 in line with EU requirements and the Charter of Rights for Farmers.