11 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the action he proposes to take to deal with the problem of soil erosion on hills because of over-intensive stocking of sheep; and if he will give details of compensation that will be made available to farmers in remote rural areas who may lose income as a result of such actions.

17 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the action he proposes to take to deal with the problem of soil erosion on hills because of over-intensive stocking of sheep; and if he will give details of compensation that will be made available to farmers in remote rural areas who may lose income as a result of such actions.

26 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the action he proposes to take to deal with the problem of soil erosion on hills because of over-intensive stocking of sheep; and if he will give details of compensation that will be made available to farmers in remote rural areas who may lose income as a result of such actions.

27 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the action he proposes to take to deal with the problem of soil erosion on hills because of over-intensive stocking of sheep; and if he will give details of compensation that will be made available to farmers in remote rural areas who may lose income as a result of such actions.

39 Dr. Lee asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the action he proposes to take to deal with the problem of soil erosion on hills because of over-intensive stocking of sheep; and if he will give details of compensation that will be made available to farmers in remote rural areas who may lose income as a result of such actions.

40 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the action he proposes to take to deal with the problem of soil erosion on hills because of over-intensive stocking of sheep; and if he will give details of compensation that will be made available to farmers in remote rural areas who may lose income as a result of such actions.

45 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the action he proposes to take to deal with the problem of soil erosion on hills because of over-intensive stocking of sheep; and if he will give details of compensation that will be made available to farmers in remote rural areas who may lose income as a result of such actions.

123 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the action he proposes to take to deal with the problem of soil erosion on hills because of over intensive stocking of sheep; and if he will give details of compensation that will be made available to farmers in remote rural areas who may lose income as a result of such actions.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 17, 26, 27, 39, 40, 45 and 123 together.

Certain EC initiatives in the environmental area are now developing which should be of assistance in tackling problems arising from over-stocking. Earlier this year my Department introduced two pilot Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in Slyne Head, County Galway, and the Slieve Bloom area of Counties Laois and Offaly. Aid is available to farmers who undertake measures to protect the environment, including reducing stock numbers where over-gazing is a problem.

Under the Common Agricultural Policy reform which was agreed by the Council last week the accompanying measures include an agri-environment programme which provides, inter-alia, aid for reduction in livestock numbers. Under this programme each member state will be required to draw up a national programme of measures to ensure protection of the environment and covering problems such as over-stocking.

My Department will be working on the preparation of a suitable programme over the coming months. Any scheme under the agri-environment programme will be voluntary for farmers.

I am aware of the scheme in Bunowen-Ballyconneely which is not within an ass's roar of a mountain. This question is related to the over-grazing of heathers on mountains. When heather is grazed to a certain level erosion occurs. What steps can be taken to compensate farmers for restricting their grazing rights on mountains?

In the ESAs grant-aid is available where a reduction in the stocking rate takes place. I should like to see this scheme implemented in a greater number of areas. A trial is currently being conducted in County Mayo by researchers from Teagasc, UCG and UCD relating to soil erosion caused by over-stocking in mountain areas, with particular relation to heathers. As soon as the results of this research are available I will see what appropriate action can be taken.

I am very pleased that the Minister and Fine Gael have realised what I have been saying, namely, that there is gross over-stocking in many areas. They are late converts. Would the Minister agree that the stocking rates are still far too high and should be limited to perhaps 300 per farmer? Would the Minister agree that the real answer is a headage payment for people and not for sheep? There should be a basic income for everyone.

More would emigrate then.

There would be a certain amount for the Greens.