Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 1325: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the proposals he has to re-instate the suckler cow scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1449/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme was introduced in 2008. Its aim is to encourage appropriate development on suckler farms in line with National and EU priorities and to assist adaptation to market requirements. Some 54,000 farmers applied for the scheme involving over 970,000 suckler cows.

To date over €42 million has been paid out on 518,000 suckler cows in respect of their calves born during 2008. A further €35 million remains in the 2009 allocation and payments will continue on an ongoing basis, as 2008 born animals become eligible. I expect a decision to be made shortly on the rate of payment for 2009 born calves.