Vol. 556 No. 3
252 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the proposals he has to introduce a further aid scheme to off-set the increased costs facing farmers due to the bad weather in the summer of 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20249/02]
I have taken a series of weather related initiatives in support of farmers. These include: I obtained a derogation from the European Commission to allow set-aside land to be used for ani mal feed purposes on farms where 33% or more of the land has been flooded; I arranged for Teagasc to provide an intensive advisory service, both general and one to one; in co-operation with my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Mary Coughlan, I arranged that the farm assist scheme take account of the situation faced by farmers; I obtained European Commission approval to bring forward the payment of 50% of arable aid due to cereal farmers to 16 October; I obtained an increase in the rate of advance payments made on cattle premia from 60% to 80% with effect from 16 October.
I have also put great emphasis on improving market supports. Over the summer period I succeeded in strengthening the market supports system within the milk sector aimed at addressing the market weakness which prevailed at the time. Furthermore I more recently announced a substantial improvement in the beef export refund rate for Egypt, aimed at the specific requirements for that market. In these circumstances I have no plans to introduce an aid package.
