Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reverse the decision to cut payments under the suckler cow animal welfare scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37459/08]

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. This is the figure that was provided for the Scheme in the "Towards 2016" Partnership Agreement and there is no reduction in this figure. A figure of €80 per cow will be paid in 2008. 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.