Vol. 509 No. 6
200 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the steps, if any, he will take to liaise with the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs to ensure that its assessment on the value of mountain ewes is more realistic with market values. [21036/99]
201 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development his views on whether the assessment of the value of mountain ewe at £23 to £24 would be realistic. [21037/99]
I propose taking Questions Nos. 200 and 201 together.
I understand the assessment by the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs of the value of mountain ewes for the determination of eligibility for schemes operated by that Department includes both the market value of the ewe and the income from ewe premium, rural world premium and headage payments. The value of these direct payments alone are estimated at £33 for this year.
I will provide any assistance which the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs may require on the question of the assessment of the value of mountain ewes.
