Vol. 436 No. 7
36 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the steps, if any, he will take to reduce the retention periods required under livestock premium schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
42 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the steps, if any, he will take to reduce the retention periods required under livestock premium schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
83 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the steps, if any, he will take to reduce the retention periods required under livestock premium schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
92 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the steps, if any, he will take to reduce the retention periods required under livestock premium schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 42, 83 and 92 together.
The retention periods for the various premium schemes are prescribed in the relevant EC Regulations and I have no authority to unilaterally change them. The same retention periods apply in all member states of the EC and any decision to reduce them would be a matter for the Commission in consultation with member states.
