I propose to take Questions Nos. 340 to 345, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy is aware, Ireland implemented the single payment scheme in January 2005. The special beef premium scheme, along with the slaughter premium scheme, were the only schemes where the deadline for the receipt of applications was 31 December 2004. This meant that as many farmers as possible submitted their applications in late December 2004 in order that they could benefit from the special beef premium. Under the 2004 scheme, applications for in excess of 2.4 million animals were lodged, of which almost 1.4 million were quota animals, that is, first age bull animals. The application figure in each of the previous three years was 1.9 million animals. During December alone, applications in respect of 930,000 animals were submitted compared with 600,000 during December 2003.
Following the receipt of such a large volume of applications in December, I took immediate steps to ensure that the applications were processed promptly. In the first instance, procedures were put in place to return the animal passports to the applicants prior to the end of the retention period. This was achieved, as it was important in order that farmers were in a position to dispose of their animals after the end of the retention period if they so wished.
The processing of applications went ahead simultaneously in an efficient and effective manner. This processing involved computer validation and, where errors or inconsistencies were highlighted in such validation, those cases required individual attention. In many instances it was necessary to write to farmers to clarify the queries. Despite the number of December applications my Department was in a position to commence advance payments on these animals in early March.
The issue of full balancing payments is dependent on the eligibility of all animals being established. As this required in many instances writing to farmers whose animals were not eligible for payment, it was clear to me that establishing the definitive overshoot reduction would take some months. This would mean that, in view of the integrated nature of the bovine premia schemes, the balancing payments on the suckler cow scheme, the special beef premium scheme and the slaughter premium scheme could not be paid prior to June 2005 for applicants who claimed in excess of 25 animals under the special beef premium scheme.
However, I was determined to make balancing payments to all farmers as soon as possible. In that regard, on 6 April 2005 measures were implemented which enabled the balancing payments to be made to special beef, suckler cow and slaughter premium applicants based on an estimated special beef premium scheme overshoot reduction. These balancing payments commenced in April 2005 and consequently farmers received payments in respect of the three schemes two months ahead of when they would otherwise have received them.
I am fully aware of the impact that the overshoot reduction will have on beef farmers who claimed on more than 25 animals. The decision to opt for full decoupling was arrived at following careful consideration of all options and following a widespread public consultation process. A very persuasive factor in this process was the suggestion that farmers in those member states who fully decoupled would not be disadvantaged during the transitional period. The level of the overshoot of the regional ceiling is attributable to the ending of the special beef premium scheme in 2004 and application patterns, both in terms of total numbers of animals applied upon and the timing of lodging of applications, strongly suggest this to be the case.
I am seeking a solution to this issue and will continue to do so with the European Commissioner. I have already raised the issue with the Commissioner on a number of occasions during various meetings. My Department also forwarded a detailed submission to the European Commission dealing with this matter on 25 April 2005. The matter has been discussed with the Commissioner's Cabinet and with the most senior officials of the European Commission. Arrangements are being made for a meeting between my officials and the various services of the Commission's DG Agri.
I am availing of every opportunity to press for appropriate measures be put in place to alleviate the difficulties encountered by beef farmers in Ireland as a result of the ending of the special beef premium in 2004. I will continue pursue the matter with the Agriculture Commissioner and Commission officials.
Given the current position with regard to the processing of the 2004 scheme and the ongoing discussions with the Agriculture Commissioner on the quota overshoot, it is not possible at this stage, to be definitive about some of the issues raised.