Vol. 528 No. 1
132 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the plans he has to increase the number of heifers which can be used in the suckler cow grant scheme from 20% to 50%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29322/00]
Under Agenda 2000, the rules governing the suckler cow premium were changed to permit producers to include beef type heifers over eight months of age in their pre mium application up to a limit of 20% of the total number of animals being submitted for the premium. Any change in this limit would necessitate an amendment to Council Regulation 1254/99. I do not propose to seek such a change.
