Vol. 502 No. 3
198 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he is seeking to have extensification premium extended to sheep farming in the Agenda 2000 negotiations; and his views on how much this would be worth nationally to the Irish sheep sector and on a per ewe basis. [7723/99]
199 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the strategy he has adopted to secure extensification premium for sheep farmers in the Agenda 2000 negotiations in view of the fact that the EU Commission continues to require that sheep are included in the stocking density calculation. [7724/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 199 together.
The Agenda 2000 proposals did not include any specific proposals for the sheepmeat sector. However, I was concerned that the proposals to change the method for calculating stocking density for the extensification premium in the beef sector would impact adversely on the sheep sector, particularly by putting pressure on mixed cattle-sheep producers to reduce sheep numbers in order to retain eligibility for the extensification premium. I made my concerns in relation to sheep clear to the EU Commission and the Council throughout the negotiations. I am satisfied that the increase in the stocking density limit which I negotiated as part of the final package will ensure the vast majority of eligible producers will continue to qualify for the premium without reducing stock herds.
200 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he is seeking to have the suckler cow premium substantially increased in the Agenda 2000 negotiations in response to the EU Commission proposed 30 per cent beef price cut; and his views on the required level of suckler cow premium to keep suckler farming viable. [7725/99]
Under the agreement reached on the agricultural aspects of Agenda 2000 in Brussels on 11 March, I secured substantial improvements in the Commission's proposals for suckler cows. In spite of the fact that the price reduction will be 20 per cent rather than 30 per cent as proposed by the Commission, the basic suckler cow premium will be increased to 200 euro per head compared with the 180 euro originally proposed. In addition, the supplementary national premium of 24 euro per head will continue to be financed by FEOGA. Furthermore, suckler cows will qualify for a slaughter premium of 80 euro. Finally, I succeeded in preventing any reduction in our national suckler cow quota, thereby ensuring a strong base for the production of high quality beef for the supply to markets in the European Union. I am satisfied that the outcome of the negotiations will protect the viability of suckler cow production in Ireland.
