Vol. 545 No. 3
35 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if it is intended to continue to apply the 180 head special beef premium limit from 1 January 2002, as opposed to the 90 head limit agreed at the Luxembourg farm Council in July 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30150/01]
The changes to the beef regime which were adopted by the Council last June included a more restrictive application of any derogation from the 90 head limit on the special beef premium. In future, any such derogation must be based on objective criteria that are part of rural development policy and take into account environmental and employment aspects.
I recently announced that, following communication with the EU Commission, I had decided to avail of the derogation provided for in the EU regulation and to fix the headage limit at 180 head for each instalment of the premium for 2002 to encourage the development of commercially viable beef enterprises.
I believe that this approach is consistent with the Government's strategy for rural development which is to maintain the maximum number of viable farms in the country. The environmental requirements relating to the derogation will be enforced through the implementation of the existing stocking density limits and compliance with the principles of good farming practice which apply to all producers wishing to benefit from the premium system.
