Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 301: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to her comments (details supplied) if she has discussed the matter with the European Commissioner; the response to date from the Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17281/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am seeking a solution to the problem of the special beef premium overshoot and will continue to do so with the European Commissioner. I have already raised the issue with the Commissioner on a number of occasions. My Department has also forwarded a detailed submission to the European Commission dealing with this matter. I am urging that appropriate measures be taken to alleviate the difficulties encountered by beef farmers in Ireland, directly as a result of the ending of the special beef premium scheme in 2004. I expect that a bilateral meeting with Commission officials will take place shortly, at which our concerns will be strongly reiterated. I will decide what further action to take in relation to this matter when I review the outcome of these discussions.