The package of measures to which the Deputy refers was announced in April 1997 prior to obtaining EU Commission approval. The package which was finalised in November 1997 included a top-up of £2 per animal in respect of 22 month animals on which 1996 special beef premium was paid. A total of 65,477 producers were paid £1.914 million in respect of 957,073 animals; a payment of £41.04 per animal in respect of male animals slaughtered in the period 1 April 1997 and 10 June 1997. This was paid by way of a top-up on the 1997 slaughter premium and a total of 16,363 producers were paid £6.821 million in respect of 166,211 animals and a scheme for producers of finished heifers and finished male animals disposed of in the period 1 April 1997 to 10 June 1997. A payment of £41.04 per male animal and £41.12 per female animal applied. A total of 13,848 producers applied in respect of 102,982 animals of which 80,123 have been paid. The reduction was due mainly to the fact that animals had to be in the ownership and possession of the applicant prior to 1 April 1997. Almost 92 per cent of applicants were paid £3.294 million by 31 December 1997. The relatively small number of producers who were not paid by that date had outstanding queries relating to their applications.
It is estimated that £1.6 million will be sufficient to make payment in respect of those cases which had not established eligibility by 31 December 1997. My Department has made arrangements for the funding of the amounts due and payment will issue in outstanding eligible cases as soon as possible.
