Dan Boyle
Ceist:37 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he is considering whether money paid for quota rights bought in 2002 can be converted into entitlements for the active farmer. [9195/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 24 March 2004
Ceisteanna (37)
Freagraí scríofa
I assume the Deputy is referring to the purchase of suckler cow quota in 2002. I appreciate that farmers paid a high price for suckler cow quota in 2002 as there was a huge demand for it at the time. However, such farmers who purchased suckler cow quota in 2002 benefit from the suckler cow premium scheme at a rate of €224.15 per animal for the three years 2002, 2003 and 2004 plus top-ups on heifers under the national envelope and payment under the extensification premium on the suckler cows, if eligible. Furthermore the value of their single payment entitlements will be higher as a result of the purchase of quota in 2002 than if they had not increased their quotas. The detailed implementing provisions for the single payment scheme are still under negotiation with the European Commission.
Until such time as these detailed rules are agreed, which is expected at the end of this month or early in April 2004, it will not be possible to say what will be the final arrangements.