Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 116: 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. [43972/08]

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 over the five years 2008 to 2012, in support of a suckler scheme. This commitment is being honoured.

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, of which €33 million has been allocated in my Department's Estimate for 2008. A further €44 million is provided in the 2009 Estimate to pay for the remaining 2008 born calves.

To ensure that the scheme is continued within the €250 million 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.