Michael Creed
Ceist:90 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in the context of Agenda 2000 proposals for CAP reform, he will seek a significant increase in the rural world premium. [14698/98]
Written Answers. - Sheepmeat Sector.
Michael Creed
Ceist:92 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the progress, if any, made with the European Commission in relation to the payment of extensification on sheep. [14700/98]
I propose to take to Questions Nos. 90 and 92 together.
I have made strong representations to the EU Commission for the introduction of an extensification premium in the sheepmeat sector. However, the Commission has not accepted such a proposal on the grounds that the rural world premium, which was introduced in the context of the 1992 CAP reform package, is of major benefit to the majority of extensive producers in the Union. Neither have they agreed to the exclusion of sheep from the calculation of stocking density for the extensification premium. The Commission argue that to do so would introduce a new inequity between beef producers who also rear sheep and producers who rear cattle only.
I have already expressed concern in the agricultural council that the proposals for Agenda 2000 could have adverse implications for the sheep sector. As the negotiations proceed, I will continue to press for an overall outcome which will take full account of the needs of the Irish sheep sector. The role of the rural world premium will be raised in that context.