Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 80: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps she is taking to implement the Crosby report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5617/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Following consideration of a technical report on possible additional costs that could arise following restocking, I sought and received approval from the EU Commission, under state aid rules, to make additional payments to flock owners who had flocks depopulated during the period December 2001 to 15 April 2003.

As the additional costs in each case are related inter alia to the number of breeding ewes in the flocks in the years following restocking, my Department issued documentation along with declaration forms to the relevant flock owners in late November last in respect of these payments for year four. Flock owners who wish to be considered for these payments were requested to return the completed stocking declaration form together with their flock register. A number of flock owners have already submitted their applications, inspections have been carried out and payments issued.

Following further consideration of the matter, I have decided to amend the arrangements already announced relating to these additional payments. Flock owners who have not already submitted declarations and registers are being advised accordingly and are being invited to do so now. Those who have already received payments will be entitled to the amended arrangements.