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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

248 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive area based payments for 2002. [20216/02]

The 2002 area aid application of the person named has been fully processed with an area determined for payment purposes of 15.13 hectares.

The person named was paid his full entitlement under the 2002 area-based compensatory allowance scheme on 24 October 2002.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

249 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proposals he has to introduce the dairy cow premium from 2002, in view of the crisis in farm incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20246/02]

The dairy cow premium was part of a package of measures negotiated under Agenda 2000 and was the mechanism agreed to compensate farmers, by means of direct payment, for the planned reduction of 15% in the intervention price, to be implemented in three equal steps in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The first phase of the dairy cow premium is due to be paid in 2005 to coincide with the first phase of the price reduction.

In the interests of Irish dairy farmers I resisted the earlier introduction of the Agenda 2000 price reductions and will continue to do so in the current negotiations on the mid-term review. Any proposal to bring forward the dairy cow premium must come from the European Commission and gain agreement in the Council of Ministers. I do not expect the Commission would seek to bring forward the compensation element alone.

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