Vol. 536 No. 3
114 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if the new confidential phone lines established at his Department to help curb smuggling have resulted in investigations or prosecutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14062/01]
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. Due to 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. Payments will not issue under the 2001 ewe premium scheme in advance of satisfactory completion of all of the checking arrangements.
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.
