Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2005
448 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 543 of 14 June 2005, regarding the SBP overshoot; if she will report on the meeting held in the week ending 11 June 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20837/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, there has been ongoing contact between my Department and the Commission on the overshoot of the special beef premium national quota. A detailed written submission has also been made to the Commission on the issue. A meeting between my officials and officials of DG Agri of the European Commission took place last week.
At that meeting my officials presented very strong arguments to support our claim that the level of overshoot of our national quota is attributable to the ending of the special beef premium scheme in 2004. The Commission officials undertook to consider the matter in the light of the points put forward.
I am continuing to avail of every opportunity to press for appropriate measures to be put in place to alleviate the difficulties encountered by Irish beef farmers as a result of the ending of the special beef premium scheme in 2004.
