asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will consider extending the closing date for applications under the beef incentive scheme so that any person applying up to and including the 22nd of May will be eligible for the June inspection.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beef Incentive Scheme.
37.
The closing date for the receipt of new applications under the beef cattle incentive scheme this year has already been extended from 30th April to 8th May. I regret that I cannot extend the closing date further. Herdowners who received grants under the scheme last year did not have to reapply. Their herds will be automatically inspected under the scheme this year.
Is the Minister aware that a large number of applications arrived in his office after the closing date? Is he aware those people will lose the grant this year if they have not the June inspection, and will he consider extending the date until 22nd May at least?
I am aware there are certain people who, despite the fact that adequate notice was given to them, did not apply in time. I am also aware that already an extension of time has been given. If any further extension were given it would play havoc with the whole scheme. It is not feasible.