Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I share Deputy Sherlock's view that this is a good scheme. It has proven beneficial during the year in which it has been in existence. As I said in response to a question asked on a previous occasion by Deputy Sherlock or Deputy Creed, it is intended to honour the commitment — to provide €250 million over five years — that was made when the suckler cow welfare scheme was introduced. I reiterate that the scheme, which is designed to help farmers to adapt to market requirements, provides particular value. I would like to be able to make a decision as soon as possible. It will not be possible to make any decisions on the 2009 scheme in advance of the publication of the revised Book of Estimates for the Department, which will happen after the decisions that are made before 7 April are announced in this House on that date. I remind the House that €31.75 million was paid out in respect of last year's scheme up to the end of 2008. I can confirm, in response to a question I was asked earlier, that the amount paid so far in 2009 is in excess of €14.6 million. Therefore, the total amount paid to date under the 2008 scheme is almost €48 million.

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