John Ellis
Ceist:217 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he intends to withdraw premiums and headage grants on dry hoggets in the severely handicapped areas. [8867/95]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
The conditions under which ewe premium grants are paid are laid down in EU Regulations.
There is some evidence that the dry hogget rule is having a detrimental impact on the development of the sheepmeat sector. I propose to have the matter reviewed with a view to ascertaining whether more suitable arrangements could be put in place. This of course would entail seeking an amendment to the relevant EU Regulation.