Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce a ewe grant scheme as proposed by a recently published EU report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25609/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Premia payments for ewes ceased on the introduction of the Single Farm payment in 2005 and the re-introduction of a headage payment would not be easily achieved without consequences for the Single Farm Payment.

The European Parliament report, to which the Deputy refers, makes an important contribution to the ongoing consideration of the future of the sheep sector in Europe. In that context, my predecessor raised the issue at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers last March. Commissioner Fisher Boel has indicated that the needs of the sector would be borne in mind in the CAP "Health Check".

I would also point out that the mixed grazing supplementary measure under REPS 4 is specifically targeted at the sheep sector. Under this measure a farmer can qualify for an annual payment of up to €1,000 in addition to his or her basic REPS payment.