Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 Feb 1993

Vol. 426 No. 7

Written Answers. - Grant Aided Tree Species.

John Browne

Ceist:

62 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he has satisfied himself that lodgepole pine and sitka spruce are still suitable for plantation from a commercial point of view; and the plans, if any, he has to accept poplar as a species suitable for grant aid in view of the fact that it matures in 20 years or less.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

I am satisfied that lodgepole pine and sitka spruce are suitable for plantation from a commercial point of view.

My Department is examining the position in respect of poplar as a species suitable for grant aid.

Andrew Boylan

Ceist:

64 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the percentage of payments made to farmers under the EC premium schemes in 1992 in the Counties of Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

It is assumed that the Deputy's question relates to the percentage of farmers in Counties Cavan and Monaghan who received their 1992 livestock premium grants before the end of the year.

The reply to the Deputy's question is as follows:

	Cavan	Monaghan
	%	%
Ewe Premium Scheme
(1st and 2nd instalments)	98	99
Suckler Cow Scheme
(June/July applications)	71.4	74.3
Special Beef Premium Scheme
(June/July applications)	62	68

Further payments under the suckler cow and special beef premium scheme have been made to farmers in Counties Cavan and Monaghan since the beginning of this year with the result that 70 per cent of farmers in Cavan and 78 per cent of farmers in Monaghan have now received their special beef premium grants. The present position under the suckler cow premium scheme is that 81 per cent of farmers in Cavan and 85 per cent of farmers in Monaghan have now been paid their grants.