Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 541: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the level of payment envisaged per suckler cow under the suckler cow welfare scheme arising from budget 2009 announcements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35785/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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In the "Towards 2016" Partnership Agreement, a commitment was made to provide Funding of €250 million in support of a suckler scheme to encourage appropriate development on suckler farms in line with national & EU priorities and to assist adaptation to market requirements.

Based on the very significant level of participation, the cost of the scheme, at a rate of €80 per cow, will be some €77 million for 2008.

In order that the scheme is continued within the €250 million funding budget, it will, on current levels of participation, be necessary to reduce the rate of payment in future years. The rate of payment for the remaining years of the scheme will be determined by reference to the continuing rate of participation. The rate applicable to 2009 will be advised to participating farmers before the end of this year.