Michael Creed
Question:137 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proposals, if any, he intends to introduce to reduce the retention period for suckler cows; and the purposes behind this long retention period. [11953/99]
Written Answers. - Suckler Cow Premium Schemes.
The requirement for retention periods during which animals applied on under the various EU headage and premium schemes must be held and maintained by the applicant is an integral part of each scheme and is set out in EU regulations. In the case of cattle headage/beef cow and suckler cow premium schemes the regulations allow for animals applied on to be replaced by other eligible animals during the retention period. Retention periods serve to ensure that beneficiaries under the schemes are genuine farmers who normally maintain livestock on an ongoing basis.
Different retention periods apply under the different schemes ranging from two months in the case of cattle headage, sheep headage and special beef premium to six months in the case of suckler cow premium. The longer retention period for the suckler cow premium reflects the fact that these animals are in fact the main breeding stock and are not normally disposed of except in the case of normal stock replacement. The shorter retention period for special beef premium reflects the fact that these animals form part of a producers trading stock.
The retention period for the suckler cow premium scheme is set out in a Council regulation and any variation of the period would therefore require the agreement of the Council of Ministers. Any such change would have to be proposed by the EU Commission.