Desmond J. O'Malley
Ceist:223 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will ensure that local offices of his Department continue to handle the male beef premium scheme.
Written Answers. - Beef Premium Scheme.
In view of the additional work load which has been assigned to the Department's local offices following the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy it was decided to transfer the administrative operations of the special beef premium to Portlaoise. The decision was made in order to streamline the operations of the scheme and to facilitate the issuing of premia payments to the farming community within a reasonable time frame. Farm inspections and related services will continue to operate as heretofore from the local offices.