Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the discussions she has had with the EU Commission regarding the SBP overshoot; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17294/05]

John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she is taking to address the SBP overshoot; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17293/05]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 85: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action she is taking to reduce the impact of the SBP overshoot on farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17327/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 51, 66 and 85 together.

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.