Jimmy Deenihan
Ceist:564 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position regarding the special beef premium overshoot; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22696/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 June 2005
Ceisteanna (562)
Freagraí scríofa
I have raised the issue of the breach of our national ceiling under the 2004 special beef premium scheme on a number of occasions with the EU Agriculture Commissioner, most recently during her visit here last week. I have put the case strongly that the overshoot arose as a result of the changeover to full decoupling with effect from 1 January 2005. My officials have also prepared and supplied to the Commission services, detailed submissions on all aspects of the overshoot and have met directly with Commission services officials on a number of occasions to further press our case.
During her recent visit to Ireland, the Commissioner indicated that she understood the problem and intended to make an early decision.