asked the Minister for Agriculture the other EC countries which take into account the off-farm incomes of spouses in determining eligibility for headage grants; the percentage of these grants which are EC funded; if Ireland can obtain a more generous allocation from EC sources by discounting spouses' incomes, without flouting any EC regulations; if it would be in our best interests to do so; if there are comparative figures available in respect of headage grants paid in Ireland and other EC member states; and if he will make a statement on these matters.
Written Answers. - Headage Grants Eligibility.
135.
Mr. Coughlan
So far as information is available no other member state takes the off-farm income of spouses into account in assessing eligibility for headage payments, but it is understood that Greece intends to do so this year.
In Ireland, Greece, Italy and the French overseas departments the rate of recoupment by the EC is 50 per cent and in other member states 25 per cent. Recoupment is made a year in arrear. No funds would therefore be available in the first year from the EC to meet the cost of dropping the spouses' off-farm income clause and the Exchequer would be required to bear the full cost. In present circumstances there are no national funds available for this purpose.
The following table shows the range of rates (to nearest ECU) of compensatory allowances payable in each member state. The rates vary in most member states according to the degree of handicap, the region, type of farming and numbers and categories of livestock.
|
Member State |
Range of rates at 1 January 1986 (in ECUs per livestock unit) |
|
Belgium |
11to 62 |
|
Denmark |
Nil |
|
France |
22to 99 |
|
Germany |
23to 101 |
|
Greece |
29to 67 |
|
Ireland |
39to 89 |
|
Italy |
19to 97 |
|
Luxembourg |
33to 71 |
|
Netherlands |
66 |
|
United Kingdom |
36to 94 |