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 which 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 actively seeking a solution to this issue and will continue to do so with the European Commissioner and her officials. 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 currently at an advanced stage for a meeting between my officials and the various services of the Commission's DG Agriculture.
I am availing of every opportunity to press for appropriate measures to 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 to pursue the matter with the Agriculture Commissioner and Commission officials.