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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 6

Written Answers. - Sheep Sector.

Enda Kenny

Question:

188 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans, if any, he has to introduce a destocking programme for sheep in 2000; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10971/00]

Work is continuing on the preparation of detailed commonage framework plans which will set maximum stocking levels for commonages. When these plans are put into effect, farmers to whom maximum stocking levels apply will be required, if they wish to qualify for headage or premia payments, to take part either in an EU-funded agri-environmental scheme operated by the Department or in a nationally funded scheme to be introduced by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. Proposals for a new agri-environmental scheme to replace the current rural environmental protection scheme were submitted to the Commission by my Department as part of a draft rural development plan 2000-2006 and discussions on the plan are taking place between my Department and the Commission. I understand that proposals for a national scheme have been submitted to the Commission by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands and are being considered at present. Participation in these schemes will require implementation of the stocking levels in the commonage framework plans. Pending the completion of the detailed plans, the interim commonage framework plans, which provide for a 30% reduction in 1998 sheep numbers in the six western counties where overgrazing had been identified, will continue in effect.

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