Vol. 536 No. 3
72 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if irregularities were found by his Department in relation to claims by farmers under the EU ewe premium scheme in 1999 and 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14058/01]
The number of producers penalised for irregularities under the 1999 and 2000 ewe premium schemes was 1,599 and 1,804 respectively.
The 2001 ewe premium applications have not yet been processed. However, given the unacceptable situation highlighted in the detailed assessment of applications in the Cooley area of County Louth my Department is putting in place a range of additional controls under the 2001 ewe premium scheme. I will be availing of all mechanisms to tackle head-on any unacceptable practices unearthed in Cooley or elsewhere.
Because of the foot and mouth disease problem it has not been possible to carry out the normal level of on-farm inspections under the scheme this year. Under arrangements agreed with the European Commission, member states affected by the FMD problem must put alternative controls in place. These involve inter alia, cross checks against databases in the case of bovine schemes and, in the case of the ewe premium scheme, documentary checks which may be conducted on the spot or by administrative means. In conducting the control checks for ewe premia, I have asked my officials to pay particular attention to sheep slaughter data in meat plants and to details of movements under the permit arrangements introduced on 3 March last. On the spot follow-up inspections will be carried out in appropriate cases. Payments will not issue under the 2001 ewe premium scheme in advance of satisfactory completion of all of the checking arrangements. Penalties will be applied where irregularities are found and in cases of possible fraud, the gardaí will be involved.
I am satisfied that the introduction this month of individual sheep tagging will minimise the risk of fraudulent applications in the future. This is essential if the interests of the vast majority of our farmers and those of Irish and European taxpayers are to be fully assured.
