48 Mr. McGahon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he has come to an agreement with the sheep farmers in Cooley, and elsewhere, whose sheep were slaughtered in the early days of the foot and mouth crisis regarding final payments; if not, if he will assure the farmers that they will have payment before the end of 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30182/01]

As the Deputy is aware, there were certain difficulties with the valuations leading to perceived inequities by the some of the local flockowners depending on time of valuation. This resulted in revaluation in 182 cases with supplementary payments in 148 cases issuing consequent to this process. Discussion on the proposals submitted by the Irish Farmers Association have not yet been finalised.