Vol. 550 No. 4
254 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the number of first and second instalments of suckler cow premia for 2001; the number in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9152/02]
The number of farmers countrywide who have been paid their first instalment under the 2001 suckler cow premium scheme is 64,176. In addition, 60,934 farmers have been paid their 20% balances under this scheme. The position with regard to County Galway is that 8,073 farmers in that county have been paid their 80% advance payments while 7,517 farmers have been paid their 20% balancing payments.
Payments are continuing under this scheme with a view to having payments completed to all eligible applicants by 30 June in line with EU regulations and protocol commitments.
