Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost of implementing the suckler welfare scheme in view of the fact that the payment is now reduced from €80 to €40; and if it is envisaged this will continue for the next four years. [36819/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The cost of the Suckler Welfare Scheme is €250 million over the five years 2008-2012. The cost will be around €77 million for 2008, at a rate of €80 per cow.

There are almost 54,000 suckler farmers currently participating in the scheme, and to remain within the €250 million budget, it will be necessary to reduce the rate of payment in future years by reference to the actual level of participation. The 2009 grant rate will be advised to participating farmers before the end of 2008.