Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 21 May 1996

Vol. 465 No. 6

Written Answers. - Farmers' Compensation.

Liam Aylward

Ceist:

276 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the way in which he intends to compensate farmers who sell cattle at marts for export in view of the increase announced in the slaughter premium as a result of a decision by the EU Council of Ministers to pay extra compensation in respect of factories slaughtering cattle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10050/96]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

At the Emergency Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting in Luxembourg on 1-3 April, which was called to address the BSE crisis, it was agreed that compensatory measures would be put in place in addition to market support measures, if this was deemed necessary. In this context, the Council agreed at its meeting on 29-30 April, on the urgency of short-term income support measures for producers.

Arising from this the EU Commission have formulated proposals for a compensation package to assist producers. However, the details of this package have not been finalised and no decision has been taken by the Council of Minister.

I might add that export refunds for live cattle and beef have been increased by 12.3 per cent with effect from 1 May.