Jim O'Keeffe
Question:25 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the income support measures, if any, he proposes as a response to the crisis for farm families. [23128/98]
Written Answers. - Agricultural Income.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:46 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he has evaluated the full extent of the crisis in agriculture, both in terms of its short-term and long-term implications; if he has taken into account changing economic trends which have the affect of militating against the agricultural sector and consequently causing a sharp diminution of income to the farming community; if he has drawn to the attention of his EU colleagues the far reaching implications of the crisis; if he has given indication to his EU colleagues of the necessity to produce a long-term plan for agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23109/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 46 together.
I have evaluated the problems being experienced by farmers, which have arisen primarily from the economic difficulties in Russia. At every available opportunity I have drawn them to the attention of my EU colleagues and to the EU Commission. I made plans to deal with the matter across a wide range of headings. I have also taken effective measures to support farm income at EU and national level including: substantial increases in export refunds for cattle and pigs; improved intervention access for beef, with heavier cattle together with steer class 04 included, while the processors' margin has been increased by 40 per cent; private storage schemes for pig and sheep meat; direct payments to farmers, estimated at almost £1 billion in 1998, have been speeded up; the advance in suckler cow and special beef premium payments has been increased from 60 per cent to 80 per cent; the Iranian market has been re-opened for Irish beef; and an additional £16 million has been made available for a winter fodder feed scheme and a cull ewe scheme.
I will continue to assess the situation and I will take whatever further action is open to me.