Vol. 544 No. 3
222 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the names and addresses of all farm families in Counties Sligo and Leitrim who are in receipt of premia payments of less than £10,000 per annum. [28533/01]
For reasons associated with the Data Protection Act, it would not be possible to provide the names and addresses of the farm families concerned without their consent. A total of 3,382 herdowners in County Leitrim and 4,021 farmers in County Sligo received less than £10,000 under the 2000 livestock headage and premium schemes.
224 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his attention has been drawn to the fact that suckler farmers have received a set back with the latest announcement from Brussels on the 15% heifer requirement for suckler cow premium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28546/01]
233 Mr. Healy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the consultation or negotiations he has had with his EU colleagues and the European Commission regarding the new interpretation of the rules on suckler cow premium; and if he will support the retention of the existing system. [28711/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 224 and 233 together.
The amendments to the beef premium regime which were adopted at the meeting of the Council in June included a new provision requiring farmers with a suckler cow quota in excess of 13 suckler cows to submit heifers for at least 15% their suckler cow premium claim. I am disappointed the European Commission has interpreted this provision in a manner which requires heifers submitted as part of the 15% requirement to be replaced if they calve down during retention. I raised that matter at the meeting of the Agriculture Council on 23 October and I also made strong representations to Commissioner Fischler subsequently on the issue. The FEOGA committee has, however, accepted the European Commission's interpretation.
I do not believe, however, that the more restrictive interpretation of the 15% heifer requirement will create major problems for Irish producers generally as two thirds of our farmers will be exempt from the requirement. In addition, premium statistics show that in general suckler cow producers have relatively low stocking densities and should be able to accommodate the necessary heifers on their farm. Furthermore, the Teagasc farm survey for 2000 shows that the average specialist suckler cow producers already have sufficient number of dry heifers on their holdings to meet the 15% requirement.
