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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Oct 2001

Vol. 541 No. 2

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

351 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the proposals there are to increase the level of payment under the ewe premium scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22517/01]

The level of the current ewe premium varies as it is calculated by reference to a single income loss across the EU, which is determined by prices prevailing throughout the Community.

Following a review of the sheepmeat regime, the EU Commission presented its proposals for reform of the regime last May. The main element in these proposals is that the current variable ewe premium should be replace by a fixed premium of 21 euros.

Discussions on these proposals have been taking place over the past few months and the opinion of the European Parliament is awaited. It is expected that negotiations will be concluded towards the end of the year and I will be pressing our case to have the premium fixed at the optimum level and for the best possible support regime for Irish sheep producers in the course of these discussions.

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

352 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the proposals there are to increase the payment per hectare on mountain-type land under the new area based compensatory allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22518/01]

Under the scheme agreed in July, 2000, farmers with mountain type land are currently paid £45 per hectare on up to 60 hectares. The scheme is currently under review with the objective of finding the most equitable arrangements with particular reference to the needs of farmers with mountain type land.

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

353 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow for a grant to aid the construction of a shed. [22526/01]

The national scheme for the control of farm pollution, now replaced by the new farm waste management scheme, was extremely successful and uptake exceeded all expectations. The EU-imposed ceiling for expenditure under this scheme has been reached and my Department has applied to the EU Com mission to formally raise the ceiling. A number of payments under the scheme, including payment to the person mentioned in the question, has been delayed pending receipt of this formal approval. Following recent discussions between my Department and the European Commission a positive response is expected very shortly. All payments will issue immediately approval is received.

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