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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 3

Written Answers. - Sheepmeat Sector.

Jack Wall

Question:

27 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the progress, if any, made in his discussions with the EU Commissioner on the EU ewe premium scheme; if the calculation of this and the extensification premium will be permitted on a national rather than European basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9696/00]

I had a very useful meeting with Commissioner Fischler on 29 March. I took the opportunity to raise with him both the current market situation in the sheep sector and the need for reform of the sheepmeat regime. In particular, I stressed the need for a ewe premium system which reflects the significant differences in prices between member states and the need for extensification premium for sheep.

The Commission is currently carrying out a review of the ewe premium system. The review is not expected to be completed until June and any proposals for reform are unlikely to be published before the autumn. Detailed discussions were held in January between my Department and one of the consultants undertaking the review and he was given a full analysis of the current regime and the adaptation and improvements required to meet Ireland's needs. The consultant were also given the opportunity to be briefed by the sheepmeat monitoring committee.

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