Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 2

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

John V. Farrelly

Ceist:

242 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will allocate an extra £8.2 million which has been approved as a top-up, for the beef national envelope in 2001, to young trained farmers, under 35 years on the suckler cow premium; and his views on whether, if he did, it would clearly indicate the Government's commitment to improving the situation and send a particular signal to potential new entrants considering agriculture as a career. [26210/01]

Paul Connaughton

Ceist:

267 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will consider a priority payment for a monetary top-up on suckler cow grants for young farmers; his views on the fact that at least a part of the allocation should be made available to young farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26454/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 267 together.

There will be approximately £24.6 million available from the national envelope under Agenda 2000 in 2002 for distribution among beef producers. This compares with £16.4 million available for the current year which was used to top up the slaughter premium for beef breed heifers and to top up the suckler cow premium in respect of replacement suckler cows in order to encourage a more rapid replacement of suckler cows.

Consultations on the allocation of the national envelope have just been completed between my Department and various farming organisations, some of which have put forward specific proposals, including the prioritising of young farmers, for the allocation of the additional £8.2 million available for next year.

I will be taking a decision on the matter within the next few weeks when an examination of the ideas put forward and the options open to me has been completed.