130 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the recent changes, if any, in the slaughter premium regulations; and the plans, if any, he has to extend or increase the amount of the premium. [8169/96]

There have been no changes in the EU regulations governing the deseasonalisation premium as they effect this year's payments. However, under the 1995-1996 price proposals the EU Commission is proposing that the trigger level be reduced to 38 per cent and be based on total steer slaughterings on the island of Ireland. In addition, the Commission is proposing that when the trigger is not reached member states will have the option of maintaining the premium at 60 per cent of the current rate, to be financed by a reduction in the second tranche of the special beef premium.

In the negotiations at the Agriculture Council I will be seeking a continuation of the deseasonalisation slaughter premium based on a new and acceptable trigger.