asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state in respect of 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983 the amount of annual grants paid under the ewe and ewe hogget premium schemes by the EEC to this country; the annual cost of administering the scheme in this country; the cost of administering it in County Galway; the net amount of premiums paid to Irish farmers; and the net amount paid of grants to farmers in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - EEC Sheep Grant.
53.
During 1980 no actual payments of EEC ewe premium scheme grants were made but £2.763 million was paid in 1981 and £6.032 million in 1982 of which £0.466 million and £1.064 million respectively related to County Galway. This year £8.209 million has been paid to 30 November and £1.423 million relates to County Galway.
The cost of administering the scheme is at present about £364,000 per annum, £72,000 of which arises in County Galway. No part of the cost of administration is deducted from the premium which is paid in full to Irish farmers.