Vol. 517 No. 3
43 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to increase to 80% the advance payment on the suckler cow, special beef and slaughter premium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9699/00]
EU Commission Regulation 2342/99 lays down detailed rules on the operation of premium schemes under Agenda 2000. The regulation specifically states that the advance equal to 60% of special beef, suckler cow and the new slaughter premium schemes may not be paid before 16 October of the calendar year in respect of which the premium is applied for. The 60% advance is considered reasonable given the budgetary constraints and need to protect the funds as well as supporting the producer at critical periods. Advance payments of 80% are therefore not permissible without an amendment to the regulation.
