John Perry
Question:209 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if land can be reclassified for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8485/02]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
The person named was paid €1,539.34 under the 2001 area-based compensatory allowance scheme on 25 September 2001 in respect of 3.67 hectares of mountain-type land at €57.14 per hectare and 14.96 hectares of more severely handicapped land (lowland) at €88.88 per hectare. This compares with his average headage payment of €1,067.68 under the old animal-based headage schemes in the three years 1998 to 2000 inclusive.
Following a thorough review of the area-based compensatory allowance scheme, proposals have been submitted to the European Commission for increased payment rates for farmers with mountain-type land. The proposals involve making a payment of €101.58 per hectare on the first ten hectares of mountain-type land with a payment of €88.88 per hectare on each remaining hectare subject to an overall payment ceiling of 45 hectares. Subject to securing the necessary EU approval, it is intended that the revised payment rates will apply to the 2001 scheme.
Michael Creed
Question:210 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will reconsider his decision to refuse extensification for 2001 to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [8519/02]
The person, to whom this herd number was initially registered, indicated on the EXPR.1 form that he was not interested in participating in extensification premium for 2001. Under the EU regulation governing extensification premium, the new owner of the lands could have submitted a fresh EXPR.1 form up to Tuesday, 22 May 2001.
However, in view of the fact that at the time of transfer the new owner was unaware of the previous owner's decision not to participate, it has now been decided to allow him to participate in extensification premium for 2001. Arrangements are being made to send an EXPR.1 form to the person named. If and when this form is returned, his eligibility for 2001 extensification premium will be determined.