Vol. 511 No. 3
162 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if the progeny of a freisan dam crossed with a beef bull will qualify for the beef premium in relation to the proposed beef heifer premium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24391/99]
The top-up of the heifer slaughter premium, from national envelope funds, will apply to the female progeny of a friesian dam crossed with a beef bull provided they meet the other conditions of the scheme.
The purpose of this top-up is to provide additional support to producers of beef heifers which have been substantially left out of the support system until now, and also to encourage better quality heifer beef production.
163 Mr. M. Ahern asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the payment of sheep and special beef premia to a person (details supplied) in County Cork in the years from 1997 to date; and the percentage deducted from payment to the Land Commission and the farmer. [24392/99]
The person named was paid £235.89 under the 1997 ewe premium scheme and £2,524.14 under the 1997 suckler cow premium scheme. There were no deductions for arrears of annuity due to the Land Commission. He did not apply for 1997 special beef premium.
He was due to be paid £2,524.14 under the 1998 suckler cow premium scheme but it was offset against his land annuity arrears. He was paid £325.36 under the 1998 special beef premium scheme and there were no deductions for arrears of land annuity. He did not apply for 1998 ewe premium.
The first and second instalments of 1999 ewe premium amounting to £209.46 that were due to him were offset against his land annuity arrears. It is not intended to offset the final instalment of 1999 ewe premium which will be due for payment in March 2000. He qualified for a first instalment of £1,437.91 under the 1999 suckler cow premium scheme; of that amount £247.29 was paid to him and the balance of £1,190.62 was offset against his land annuity arrears. It is not intended to offset the final instalment of 1999 suckler cow premium which will be due for payment in February 2000. He is due £205.46 by way of first instalment under the 1999 special beef premium scheme and it will be paid to him shortly.
