Vol. 498 No. 5
147 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proposals, if any, there are to reform the existing direct payments schemes by a more equitable distribution of support payments to ensure the viability of thousands of threatened farm families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28120/98]
The agriculture aspects of Agenda 2000 contain proposals which, if they were accepted, would have significant negative impact on Irish agriculture in the coming years. The proposals include changes to the manner in which the market is supported as well as to the level and nature of direct payments to producers.
I have already made clear to the Commission and to the Council of Agriculture Ministers my objections to certain fundamental aspects of these proposals in view of their likely negative effects on Ireland. As the negotiations progress I will continue to do all in my power to ensure that the final outcome is more equitable from Ireland's point of view, and is one which provides the best possible framework for the future development of Irish agriculture and the best possible framework to farm families.
148 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the amount of money remaining to issue to farmers in County Mayo for headage and premia payments under 1998 area aid applications; and the percentage of these farmers to be paid before Christmas. [28127/98]
Over 72,000 payments valued at almost £33.5 million have issued to farmers in County Mayo under the various 1998 headage and premium schemes. At this early stage it is not possible to provide a reasonable estimate of the amounts outstanding in any county as payments do not conclude at the end of the calendar year. For example, under the suckler cow premium scheme and the special beef premium scheme the regulations provide for advance payments in the year of application with balancing payments being made in the following year. Payments to applicants under the October 1998 suckler cow premium scheme cannot commence until such time as the six month retention period expires in April 1999.
I should point out also that not all applications received will ultimately qualify for payment. Some 100 applicants under the May 1998 suckler cow premium scheme in County Mayo do not hold suckler cow quota and are therefore not entitled to payment. Some applicants even yet, have to establish eligibility. Over 300 cattle headage and almost the same number of suckler cow premium applicants in County Mayo are not yet cleared for payment at local office level. Under the 1998 special beef premium scheme, some 800 applications from County Mayo are under query from Portlaoise. All of these farmers have been written to at least once. Payment to others have been withheld because of application of penalties or because they have failed to submit an area aid application.
