7 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2861/94]

10 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2853/94]

12 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2879/94]

16 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2854/94]

21 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the proposals, if any, he has to modify the regulations for land eligible for cereal production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2790/94]

24 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2859/94]

30 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2862/94]

31 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2881/94]

32 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2858/94]

33 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2848/94]

35 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2850/94]

39 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2851/94]

40 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2880/94]

41 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2871/94]

44 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2855/94]

48 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2869/94]

52 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2868/94]

55 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2876/94]

59 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2883/94]

60 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2874/94]

61 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2852/94]

63 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2857/94]

64 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has to introduce individual base area for cereal producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2791/94]

67 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2864/94]

70 Mr. Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2873/94]

76 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2865/94]

77 Mr. E. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2872/94]

78 Mrs. Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2847/94]

79 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2866/94]

88 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2882/94]

89 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2875/94]

94 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2849/94]

100 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2878/94]

104 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2860/94]

105 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2863/94]

107 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2856/94]

114 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and land-Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2870/94]

117 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has requested the European Commission to remove the concept of eligible land for grain production; whether both grain producers and landowners will have access to IBAs; and the criteria upon which quota will be available from a national reserve. [2877/94]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7, 10, 12, 15, 16, 21, 24, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 39, 40, 41, 44, 48, 52, 55, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 67, 70, 76, 77, 78, 79, 88, 89, 94, 100, 104, 105, 107, 114, and 117 together.

The eligible land requirement is a key element of the CAP reform arrangements for the arable sector. Its objective is to prevent an expansion of the area under cereals and other arable crops in the EU by bringing into production land which had not previously been used for this type of production. Such an expansion would have defeated one of the main objectives of the CAP reform, namely the control of surplus production. It would also have presented risks for traditional producers of these crops under the regional or national base area system, which provides for substantial penalties if these base areas are exceeded.

I am aware of the difficulties which the eligible land requirement creates for Irish cereal producers, and in particular for those dependent on conacre land. I am also concerned at the difficulties which this rule presents for the development of Irish cereal production in general, in view of the need to maintain adequate supplies of native grain to meet the feed requirements of the pig and poultry sectors.

While I would not favour any fundamental changes to the CAP reform arrangements at this stage, I am seeking the removal of the eligible land requirement in the context of the individual base area system. Under this system it would not be possible to increase the total area under arable crops, and the question of base area penalties would not arise. The EU Commission has already been notified that the removal of the eligible land rule is an essential requirement if the IBA system is to be introduced.

In relation to entitlement to IBAs, it should be noted that the CAP reform regulations make provision for a system of support for producers of arable crops. This clearly implies that entitlement to IBAs must attach to producers of these crops during the base years which establish entitlements.

I am conscious, however, of the fact that this will give rise to difficulties for some farmers who, due to domestic or financial circumstances, were out of production during the base years 1989 and 1991. For that reason I am seeking provision in the IBA rules, which will permit the establishment of a national reserve. It would be my intention to have a sufficient reserve to ensure that all genuine cases and the needs of new entrants could be satisfied. Priority categories will be established in order to ensure that this aim is achieved.

I thank the Minister for a comprehensive response to what is becoming a very contentious issue. Am I to take it from the reply that the Minister is committed to moving from a national base area to individual base areas with the abolition of the eligible land rule concept? Assuming that interpretation is correct, will the Minister indicate how quickly that move will be made and when individual base areas rules on a national reserve will be available for inspection? Will the Minister state clearly, when announcing the rules for access to a national reserve for individual base areas, the categories that will have automatic access to an individual base area when they wish to get back to cereal production? I am thinking of widows who were not in a position in 1989-91 to grow crops and had to set their land, families who, through illness or bank pressure, were forced to set their land to service a debt and guarantee an income to a bank during those years and families who, perhaps through illness of the main farming partner, had to set their land until a son or daughter finished their education and were in a position to continue cereal production.

Before agreement is reached on individual base areas in terms of a national reserve I would ask the Minister to state clearly that those categories, and any others that should be entitled to produce cereal, are spelled out and written down so that those families, when they are in a position to go back to cereal production, will be allowed do so.

It is my objective to move from the national base area and to move the eligible land clause. I am aware of priority cases such as those mentioned by the Deputy. A reasonable group in Waterford made a similar case to me. I want to facilitate that group and the priority cases it brought to my attention, and that will be done before the final package is put in place. In rural Ireland there is an ongoing difficulty with, for example, quota for milk producers and there is a fear that an inadequate reserve will be set up. I will ensure there is an adequate reserve and that the priority cases who were unable during the critical years to establish a base area will be facilitated.

From discussions with representatives of the National Grain Association of the major farming organisation, I know they see the equity of that proposal. We put the proposal to the European Commission and as yet the Commission has not made a proposal to the Council of Ministers for negotiation with a view to putting in place a final package. I hope that will be done sooner rather than later. This matter has been under consideration for almost two years and the Commission has not yet found a resolution to the matter.

Does everything depend on the extent of the national reserve?

Yes.

Will the Minister give people a guarantee that they will be covered by the national reserve? If not, they will live in fear of being poverty sticken. Many people let their land in 1989-91, and have been doing so for years because they are disabled or are not capable of working their land. If the Minister cannot cater for those people, surely there is something very wrong with the system. Can the Minister give us a guarantee that he will look after those people?

It is my intention to ensure that they are looked after and protected. As the Deputy is aware, it was decided to establish suckler cow and sheep reserves. In regard to the sucker cow reserve, on the first distribution of additional quota, there was a surplus. The same will apply in this case, that is, the national reserve will comprise of deductions from initial individual base area allocations and any remaining balance under the national base area allocation. The reserve will be maintained by the confiscation of any base area rights not being availed of. A considerable amount of land is not being used at present. I have met the group in question and it has a reasonable case. I have no difficulty in stating that it is my intention to ensure that it is looked after in the context of the national reserve which will be adequate to allow us facilitate priority or hardship cases.

Has the Minister calculated an equation to see what is required and will this be met by the national reserve? The Minister has made a comparison with the suckler cow reserve but the land involved in this case is much greater. If the equation is not right many people will find themselves in poor circumstances. Can the Minister give us a guarantee that every person who is eligible will be catered for under the national reserve?

The group I met outlined its position in a comprehensive document. I have asked the cereals division of my Department to examine the way in which the national base area is being utilised and to assess the deductions required from individual base area allocations in order to facilitate hardship cases.

I take heart from the Minister's response subject to clarification of how hardship cases and cases of natural justice will be automatically facilitated under the national reserve. Before he introduces IBAs and abolishes the eligible land requirement, will the Minister be in a position to spell out clearly in writing the IBA entitlements of those who, through no fault of their own, did not produce cereals on their land in 1989, 1990 and 1991? Will the Minister be able to give a guarantee to those who, with a son or daughter, will want to get involved in cereal production at some time in the future that they will have an automatic right to do so under the national reserve; in other words, an entitlement to an IBA allocation in their own right even though they were not producers in 1989, 1990 or 1991 for the reasons we have given?

The resolution of this problem lies in the establishment of IBAs without the eligible land requirement. With such a package we should be able to ensure that the people we are talking about will be catered for adequately.

Deputy Deasy rose.

Progress is very slow today.

We are taking many questions together.

Is the Minister not giving those who have been renting land — conacre — considerable rights and not giving the same guarantees or rights to those who own land? Should the landowner not be given a guarantee?

The cereals sector is based to a large extent on the conacre system — 40 per cent of the grain produced is produced under this system which has been developed over the years. We want to ensure that those who have earned their living in this way are allowed to continue in this occupation. In addition, landowners who for one reason or another were not able to produce grain during the critical years will be catered for.

In many cases it is a matter of economy of scale.

A national reserve will be established and this will ensure that their entitlements will be protected.

Does the Minister share my concern, and that of many others, about under-production in the national base area at present? What plans does he have to ensure that we will continue to have a viable cereal sector? When, for example, will the IBA system be introduced? Will it be introduced before the winter sowing of cereals next year or what timescale has he in mind? Will he consider making it public that he intends to abolish the eligible land requirement? I have dealt with three cases during the past four months where farmers paid over and above the odds for agricultural land which is being advertised by auctioneers and sold at auction as being eligible land and is, therefore, commanding an asset value over and above its agricultural value. Those farmers do not as yet have an automatic entitlement to an IBA and if the Minister decides to abolish the eligible land requirement in the next 12 months a major injustice will have been done. I have the names of farmers who have purchased land during the past few months and paid over the odds for it as it was advertised as being eligible land. Will the Minister advertise his intention to abolish the eligible land requirement so that auctioneers and farmers will understand the position and will not inadvertently find themselves in the same position as these farmers? The Minister should make his intention clear.

I accept what the Deputy has said. On the question of advertising, I am dependent on the media. I do not know how the individual base area system and the eligible land requirement will fit with the priorities of newspaper editors tomorrow.

I suspect they are not very sexy.

I am afraid not; I suspect they would not have a high rating with most of our national daily and evening newspapers. It is my intention to pursue at the Council of Ministers the establishment of the individual base area system, the elimination of the eligible land requirement and the establishment of an adequate national reserve to cater for hardship cases.

They should be guaranteed access to IBAs.