Vol. 522 No. 3
92 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will furnish every herd number holder with an information leaflet under the farmer's charter of rights indicating the deadline dates for all the grant aided schemes operated by his Department; the rates payable in each case per unit or in total; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18698/00]
Where direct income payments are concerned the current practice in my Department is to furnish information helpsheets to all potential applicants when the main schemes are launched. The information provided highlights the closing date and the payment rates for the schemes concerned.
In January 2000 my Department issued a booklet entitled Agenda 2000 to every herdowner in the country. This booklet highlighted the main changes under the Agenda 2000 arrangements and provided information on new schemes and variations under existing schemes.
My Department also held a series of information meetings throughout the country in January-February of this year. The purpose of these meetings, which drew large attendances, was to inform potential applicants of scheme requirements and allow producers an opportunity to discuss relevant issues with the various experts on the schemes. My Department is committed to continuing such information meetings as the need arises.
A "Schemes and Services" booklet is published annually which is available free of charge to all producers and provides information on all schemes administered by the Department. In addition this information is available on Aertel, page 675 and on the Department's website at www.irlgov.ie/daff. Information on all other schemes administered by my Department is available on request.
Under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, my Department, in conjunction with the farming social partners, will introduce a new protocol for direct payments to farmers. Negotiations on the protocol are at an advanced stage and will include payment schedules.
