Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Feb 1994

Vol. 438 No. 5

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Edward Nealon

Ceist:

166 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if, in regard to the submissions made on behalf of the Government to the EC Commission concerning revised increased premia for forestry, all existing plantations now qualifying for forestry premia will qualify for the increased payments; if not, the cut-off date, both as regards approval and commencement of work; if the reported cut-off dates of August 1992, for approval and January 1993, for commencement of work are correct; his views on whether this is an exceptionally short time in view of the time limits set for other forms of farming premia; his views on whether it is fair that land devoted to forestry and qualifying for premia should now be subjected to a two tier system in view of the fact that in the cattle and sheep area all animals benefit from whatever increases are given; if he will ensure that equity is maintained for farmers who went into forestry some time ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

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

The new afforestation programme providing for higher grant and premium levels was submitted to the Commission last July. I expect that it will be approved in the very near future.

The programme was submitted under Council Regulation 2080/92, one of the accompanying measures to the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. This regulation, which provides for higher grant and premium payments than heretofore, came into effect from 30 July 1992. The regulation makes no provision for retrospection. Therefore, it is not possible to apply the proposed increase in the premium to plantations existing prior to that date.

I am sympathetic to the situation of those who are not eligible for the new premium levels and I have raised the matter with the Commission on a number of occasions without success. Subject to Commission approval, the premium increases will be paid from the earliest possible date allowed by the regulation i.e. in respect of plantations approved on or after 1 August 1992.

Robert Molloy

Ceist:

167 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been refused an increase in the sheep quota under the national reserve.

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

The person named applied for additional ewe premium quota from the national reserve but she did not indicate any particular category. The history of her ewe premium has been examined but I regret that she is not entitled to ewe premium reserve quota under any of the categories specified in the terms and conditions.

Robert Molloy

Ceist:

168 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason for the delay in payment of a suckler grant to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and when the grant will be paid.

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

The person named applied for suckler cow premium in December 1992 but processing of his application was delayed because he applied on a number of in-calf heifers in error. As he indicated that these were in-calf heifers and made no effort to present them on his application as suckler cows, however, my Department has now decided payment can be made on the 57 eligible suckler cows applied on. Payment will issue within the next two weeks.