asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the reason for the delay in payment of cattle headage grants under the disadvantaged areas scheme to farmers in Connemara, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
284.
Written Answers. - Cattle Headage Grants.
283.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the number of applications for cattle headage grants under the disadvantaged areas scheme received from (a) County Mayo and (b) County Galway; and in the case of each county the number of grants paid up to 1st December, 1975.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 283 and 284 together.
The number of eligible applicants from County Mayo was 15,741 and from Galway 4,935. The number of grants paid up to 1st December, 1975, was 2,182 in County Mayo and 791 in County Galway.
There has been no undue delay in making payment in the Connemara area. Payments generally did not commence until about the end of October. They are being expedited as much as possible.