Vol. 536 No. 3
117 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his Department will extend application periods where it is deemed necessary to do so to permit farmers to purchase additional cows to fulfil their suckler quota, which the foot and mouth crisis prevented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14083/01]
The 2001 suckler premium scheme will remain open for applications until Friday, 29 June. This year for the first time, the scheme opened on 2 January and will remain open for the full six month period allowed under the regulations. In addition, applications will be accepted from producers for 25 days after the closing date but claims lodged after 29 June will be subject to a 1% penalty for each working day late.
The foot and mouth disease restrictions are being gradually relaxed to allow a level of livestock trading. Following a recommendation from the expert group farm to farm sales are permitted under permit from Monday last. Producers should, therefore, be in a position to take the steps necessary to maintain their suckler cow herd.
In addition, producers should note that they are permitted to apply for the suckler cow premium on heifers over eight months old. These animals may qualify for premium and can be used to fill the suckler cow quota usage requirements. The number of heifers allowed is limited to 20% of the overall number of animals declared.
At this point, I do not consider it is necessary to extend the closing date for the suckler cow premium scheme. However, I intend to monitor matters on a weekly basis and the question of a closing date extension will be considered if matters deteriorate between now and 29 June. Any such extension of the closing date would require European Commission approval.
