285 Mr. Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if his attention has been drawn to the losses suffered by sheep farmers in the Nyre Valley, County Waterford, during March 1996 due to a freak snow storm; and the reason for the delay in making application to the European Union on behalf of those farmers who have suffered losses in order that they may be considered for emergency aid. [10163/96]

I am aware of the losses suffered by sheep farmers in the Nyre Valley, County Waterford, during March 1996. Once the extent of the problem became apparent, I had measures set in motion to ensure that the full ewe premium and sheep headage payments be paid in 1996 for the sheep lost in the disaster.

I am in touch with the EU Commission to ensure that force majeure conditions will be applied to this situation, to allow full premium and headage payments to be made to the farmers concerned.

In addition, I have instructed that provision be made exempting the producers affected from the requirement to fill 70 per cent of their quota in 1996 and 1997.