Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will increase the payment rate under the suckler cow welfare scheme in view of the emerging participation rate of 750,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26053/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Having regard to overall economic situation, the state of the public finances, and the funding available to me in the 2009 Vote for my Department it was necessary following the April 2009 supplementary budget, to reduce the rate of premium under the suckler welfare scheme 2009 to €40 per eligible animal to be paid in 2010. The financial pressures have not eased and I have no plans at present to review the rate of payment, under the scheme