Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 11 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 3

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

98 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the compensation, if any, to be paid in 1999 and subsequent years to hill sheep farmers who had their flocks reduced as a result of the cull ewe scheme which operated under her Department; if farmers not in the REP scheme will be paid the value of the ewe premium and the subsequent loss on sales for ewes committed to the cull ewe scheme; if these farmers will have to have an individual farm plan drawn up; if so, if this plan will be accepted before the framework plans are in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3897/99]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

I presume that the Deputy is referring to the ewe supplementary measure operated by the Minister for Agriculture and Food which required farmers in receipt of benefits under the measure to reduce stock in certain overgrazed areas.

My Department is committed to paying compensation to farmers, subject to EU approval, who have not opted to join REPS, for reduction in stock required for ecological protection after farm plans have been prepared.

The level of payment under this scheme will be calculated in accordance with the guidelines set out under the management data for farm survey booklet, produced by Teagasc, which is roughly equivalent to premium value. Farmers will be required to have individual plans and these must be based on framework plans in the case of commonages.