I propose to take Questions Nos. 308 and 376 together.
I put forward a proposal to the EU Commission last year for a top-up premium in member states where the average price was below a certain percentage of the EU average. This proposal was not accepted by the Commission because of the budgetary implications and the fear that such a mechanism might effect a downward pressure on market prices in the knowledge that producers' incomes would be boosted by the top-up premium.
I should point out that both Irish and EU market prices for lamb have been at record levels so far this year, and the overall average price in Ireland to the end of April is only 7 per cent below the EU average price. However, I will pursue this proposal in the appropriate circumstances.