asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if an inspection is carried out in October on calves that were not calved for first inspection in the summer; if a second inspection is carried out in the following spring; and if this method of inspection will continue.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Calf Inspection.
52.
Under the beef cattle incentive scheme, in order to qualify for a grant, a cow must be present and accompanied by a calf at two consecutive inspections and be in milk at the first of these. If a cow with calf is inspected in October for the first time the same cow and calf must be present at the herd inspection in the following summer in order to qualify for a grant.
Is it in early summer or late summer?
There was, as far as I can recall, a date fixed some time in the early summer. I have forgotten precisely what the date was.
Would the Minister say how many herds are outstanding at the moment for inspection?
If the Deputy puts down a question about that I will tell him.
There are over two-thirds.
Is the Minister aware that farmers have to wait for over 18 months before they are paid a subsidy in that event?
I am aware that the beef cattle incentive scheme has been such a resounding success that it is imposing quite a strain on the capacity of the Department's officials to handle it.
Will the Minister answer my supplementary? I asked him if he was aware that farmers have to wait for over 18 months to have this subsidy paid?
I am not so aware and if there are any undue delays of which the Deputy is aware I should be glad if he would let me know of them.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.