Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 7

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

145 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will approve payment of an extensification premium to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; if there was a scaled marginal payment in operation in view of the fact that he is only slightly over the quota limit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16979/97]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Article 4g 3 of Council Regulations (EEC) No. 2066/92 sets out the condition in regard to establishing the stocking density of a holding. Article 43 1 of Commission Regulation (EEC) No. 3886/92 states that the stocking density should be less than 1.4LU per hectare.

The stocking density of the holding of the person named for 1996 was calculated as follows:

All animals applied on under the 1996 beef premium scheme	25 × 0.6 lus each = 15.00 Lus
All animals applied on under the 1996 suckler cow premium scheme	35 × 1.0 lus each = 35.00 Lus
	Total	50.00 Lus

The Forage Area declared on his 1996 area aid declaration was 35.11 hectares.

Therefore the stocking density for the holding in question is 50 Lus divided by 35.11 hectares which equals 1.42 Lus/hectare. As this is not less than 1.40 Lus/ha, as set out in the regulations, I regret that he does no qualify for 1996 extensification premium.

There is no scaled marginal payment system in operation for this scheme. It is governed by EU regulations and these must be adhered to strictly in order to qualify for payment.