Michael Ring
Question:78 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will lobby for a ewe premium in excess of £25 basic in Brussels on 20 November 2001. [28339/01]
Written Answers. - Ewe Premium.
Michael Ring
Question:82 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has sought the support of other Agriculture Ministers within the EU to have the ewe premium fixed at £25; and if he has held discussions with relevant Ministers in other member states. [28345/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 82 together.
Throughout the discussions on the reform of the sheepmeat regime, I have sought support for the fixed premium to be set at a level which ensures a reasonable income for Irish sheep producers and bears some relationship with the premium payable in other sectors. I have also raised the question of the introduction of an extensification premium for sheep producers. I will be making our case on these issues once again at the meeting of the Agriculture Council on 20 November.
During 2001 I have also sought to convince Commissioner Fischler and my colleagues in the Council of the validity of Ireland's case both at meetings of the Agriculture Council and in the internal discussions with other Ministers. In this context, I have discussed the reform of the sheepmeat regime with the Swedish, Spanish, Belgian and UK Ministers for Agriculture. My officials have also had ongoing discussions on the issue with their EU counterparts.