John Ellis
Ceist:230 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will give a date for the commencement of extensification payments for 2000. [11955/01]
Written Answers - Commencement of Payments.
Under the protocol on direct payments to farmers, as agreed with the farming bodies, my Department is committed to paying the 2000 extensification premium in June 2001 and to having payments in all eligible cases completed by 30 June 2001 in line with EU rules. However, in view of the current difficulties being experienced by farmers, I have asked my officials to examine prospects for achieving an earlier payment date.