Vol. 524 No. 6
104 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the consultations taking place with producers and processors on the allocation of the national beef envelope; when he will make a decision on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23386/00]
There will be approximately £16.4 million available to my Department from the national envelope for 2001 for distribution among beef producers. This compares with £8.2 million available for the current year which was used to top-up the slaughter premium for beef breed heifers.
Consultations on the allocation of the national envelope have taken place between my Department and various organisations, some of whom have put forward specific proposals for the allocation of the additional £8.2 million available for next year. The proposals being considered include the payment of a top-up on replacement heifers for suckler cows, the payment of a premium on quality steers and bulls and a further top-up on the slaughter premium for beef breed heifers.
I intend to take a decision on the matter in the next few weeks when my Department has completed its examination of the ideas put forward and the options open to me.
