Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Jun 2001

Vol. 538 No. 3

Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

148 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development whether he has approved the proposals which would reduce disadvantaged area payments in lowland severely handicapped areas by £6 per hectare. [17733/01]

Michael Ring

Question:

149 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the progress which has been made on resolving the problems of mountain areas under the new area based disadvantaged area scheme. [17734/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.

The rates of payment agreed with the IFA for the area based compensatory allowances scheme are as follows: More severely handicapped lowland, £70 per hectare for up to 45 hectares; Less severely handicapped lowland, £60 per hectare for up to 45 hectares; Mountain Land, £45 per hectare for up to 60 hectares. Concern has been expressed that farmers in the mountain category should get a higher rate of payment and this matter is being examined at present. No decision has yet been made and no definitive proposals have been made.