Vol. 531 No. 3
178 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will consider a staggered ewe premium application in view of the negative impact on prices of a single retention period date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5889/01]
The application period for the ewe premium and the end of the retention period are laid down by EU regulations and therefore any adjustment to this must be made at EU level. My Department has made representations to the EU Commission seeking a staggered retention period. The Commission has however has indicated an unwillingness to agree to this and among the reasons given is the lack of an effective national sheep identification system. Such a system must ensure that a staggered retention period can be effectively controlled.
My Department is proceeding with the introduction of a national sheep identification scheme and when this is in place, the question of a staggered retention period can be raised again with the Commission.
Question No. 179 withdrawn.
180 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will outline the allowances for loss of income and for the maintenance for the upkeep of stock from 7 November 2000 to 14 February 2001 and compensation for 30 days depopulation before re-stocking that is available to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo. [5978/01]
My Department is arranging for the issue of ex-gratia payments in recognition of the difficulties created for herdowners involved by the delays in commencement of herd valuations. The ex-gratia payment will be for any period in excess of 14 days between the date of confirmation of the BSE animal and the date of initial herd valuation. In the case of a suckler herd, a payment of £8 per adult animal and £3 per calf per week will issue. In dairy herds, a payment of £10 per adult animal and £3 per calf per week will issue. Various representations have been received in relation to a range of issues relevant to those farmers affected by cases of BSE, including the farmer in question, and these are being considered.
