Michael Ring
Ceist:153 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on whether it is too late to issue to farmers in commonage areas, the number of sheep they can apply for in the 2003 ewe premium. [18942/02]
Written Answers. - Commonage Division.
More than 6,000 farmers with commonage land will be notified this week of the number of ewes-quota they can maintain for 2003. Coinciding with this and in line with the normal practice this time each year some 1,750 farmers will receive more than 87,000 ewe premium rights from the 2003 national reserve this week thus enabling them to plan their flock sizes for 2003. I have also extended the closing date for receiving applications for the 2003 national reserve to 29 November 2002 and this extension will facilitate those farmers who have not yet finalised their plans for 2003.