Vol. 539 No. 1
31 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the current review of applications for ewe premiums will be completed; when he will be in a position to make the first instalment payment for 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18488/01]
Given the unacceptable circumstances highlighted in the detailed assessment of ewe premium applications in the Cooley area of County Louth, my Department has had to put in place additional controls under the 2001 ewe premium scheme. These include documentary and other checks, which may be conducted on the spot or by administrative means. In conducting these control checks, 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. This exercise is ongoing. I expect, however, that payment of the first instalment of the 2001 ewe premium can commence towards the middle of July. Payment will not be made in those cases under query until all outstanding issues have been resolved.
