Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 2

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

114 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his views on the proposals in relation to the area based compensatory allowances scheme in which it is proposed to increase the payment to mountain type areas by taking a percentage from those in other handicapped areas; if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 241 of 12 June 2001 he has made further progress towards solving this ongoing problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20324/01]

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

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 decisions have been made and there are no definitive proposals as yet.