The final date for the submission of applications for this year's suckler cow premium scheme is 30 June. Livestock marts will reopen on 18 June, just 12 days prior to the final date for the submission of applications for this scheme. The Minister knows as well as I do that by this time each year there would normally have been a substantial trade in in-calf heifers from dairy farms to suckler farms. That trade has been completely disrupted since 26 February last, the date on which strict movement controls were applied following the precautions taken against foot and mouth disease. A 12-day period between 18 and 30 June is simply not enough time for that pent-up trade to take place. It will take time to organise the necessary sales of in-calf heifers so that the normal business of both suckler and dairy herds can be resumed. It will take time for the marts to organise the necessary sales as well as for all the people in the market, both buyers and sellers, to get themselves organised so that the trade can take place. The final date for applications for this year's suckler cow premium scheme should be extended to 15 July so that the trade and the applications can be carried out in a normal and orderly fashion. I hope the Minister will agree with that.
Adjournment Debate. - Agricultural Grants.
EU regulations provide that applications under the suckler cow premium scheme may be submitted within an overall period of six months during a calendar year. In 2000, the application period ran for only two months, from 3 April to 31 May 2000. Following representations from the farming organisations the application period in respect of the 2001 suckler cow premium scheme opened on 2 January 2001 and applications will continue to be accepted by my Department up to 29 June 2001, as provided under EU regulations. Furthermore, applications may also be submitted for 25 days after the closing date – that is, up to 24 July 2001 – but will be subject to a 1% penalty for each late working day.
Producers are allowed to apply for the 2001 suckler cow premium scheme on heifers over eight months of age. The number of heifers allowed is limited to 20% of the overall number of animals declared. Since 14 May 2001, farm to farm sales are allowed under permit. This development has provided producers with the opportunity of purchasing animals to fill their quota.
On 29 May 2001, I announced a concession for applicants who lost or disposed of animals which were declared for the 2001 suckler cow premium scheme and which could not be replaced within 20 calendar days, as required under EU regulations, while movement restrictions were in place due to foot and mouth disease. Under new arrangements agreed with the European Commission, applicants who lost or disposed of animals in the period from 11 February to 13 May 2001 now have until 12 July 2001 to replace any such animal with another eligible animal.
Yesterday, following receipt of the latest recommendations of the expert group, I was able to announce that as and from 18 June marts may reopen. This will further facilitate producers who wish to purchase animals in advance of applying for the 2001 suckler cow premium scheme.
Since the application period for the 2001 suckler cow premium scheme will remain open until 29 June, I do not consider that it will be necessary to extend the application period. However, I will closely monitor the matter over the coming days. In any event, an extension to the current six months application period would require the approval of the European Commission, which is not the easiest thing.
Spoken like a true bureaucrat. I am surprised the Minister of State voted against the referendum.
Tá mo gheall tugtha.