Vol. 543 No. 2
234 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the situation regarding the 15% non-calved heifer provision in the suckler cow scheme; if these regulations have been changed recently; if so, if applications under both in-calf and dry heifer can be made; and the compensation available under this scheme. [26078/01]
The amendments to the beef premium regime which were adopted at the meeting of the Council in June included a new provision requiring farmers with a suckler cow quota in excess of 13 suckler cows to submit heifers for at least 15% their suckler cow premium claim. The European Commission has recently submitted a proposal to the FEOGA committee to require heifers submitted as part of the 15% requirement to be replaced if they calve down during retention. The proposed regulation has not yet been adopted.
I disagree with the Commission interpretation of the provision and I raised the matter at the meeting of the Agriculture Council on 23 October. I have also since then made further strong representations to Commissioner Fischler on the issue in advance of the next meeting of the FEOGA committee which is scheduled for 8 November.
