Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 5

Written Answers. - Commonage Division.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

170 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties arising for sheep farmers due to the delay in the implementation of the commonage framework plan, which may result in a glut in the market of surplus sheep; and if he will defer the proposals in order to have further discussions to avoid hardship and loss to sheep farmers. [19223/02]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Letters notifying farmers with commonage land of their ewe quota for 2003 will be delivered this week. A farmer who has to destock under a commonage framework plan will have 12 months to reduce his or her stock numbers to the required level. There is no requirement for immediate disposal of the animals and consequently I do not envisage any market place distortions.

The rules for the implementation of commonage framework plans were published in February after protracted discussions between my officials and the farming organisations. Implementation of the plans without further delay is important to safeguard the generous EU-funded payments already secured for commonage farmers.