Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 286: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in relation to the case of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if this issue will be rectified and the person awarded the full amount; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20403/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland implemented the single payment scheme in January 2005. The special beef premium scheme and the slaughter premium scheme were the only schemes where the deadline for the receipt of applications was 31 December 2004. This meant that as many farmers as possible submitted their applications in late December 2004 in order that they could benefit from the special beef premium. Under the 2004 scheme, applications for in excess of 2.4 million animals were lodged, of which almost 1.4 million were quota animals, that is, first age-bull animals. The application figure in each of the previous three years was 1.9 million animals. In effect, the same amount of premium was available for payment on a much increased number of animals.

The person named lodged a total of eight applications for special beef premium in 2004. The total number of eligible animals listed on these application was 46, three animals for first age premium, 22 animals for second age premium and 21 animals for bull premium. To date, the person named has received payment of €328.50 on first stage premium and €3,372.60 on bull premium. On the second stage premium €2,541 has already issued to the person named. The final payment on special beef premium will issue when the quota cut on 2004 special beef premium is finalised.

The level of the overshoot of the regional ceiling is attributable to the ending of the special beef premium scheme in 2004 and application patterns, both in terms of total numbers of animals applied upon and the timing of lodging of applications, strongly suggest this to be the case. I am fully aware of the impact that the overshoot reduction will have on beef farmers who claimed on more than 25 animals. I am seeking a solution to this issue and will continue to do so with the European Commissioner.