asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will indicate the terms under which a person may avail of the extended period granted for applications for the 1977 beef cattle incentive scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Beef Incentive Scheme.
15.
The terms under which herdowners may participate in the beef cattle incentive scheme were advertised in the public Press initially in the week ending 16th April. An extension of the latest date for the receipt of completed applications to the 20th May was announced in the daily papers on the 7th instant. Eligible herdowners wishing to participate should apply on the official application form, copies of which may be obtained from the Department (section 17) or from their local beef cattle incentive scheme office.
The Parliamentary Secretary will agree that the scheme has become extremely limited in confining the valuations to lands not exceeding £33 and that that ought to be considered?
As the Deputy says, the scheme is becoming limited because direct subsidies to assist beef production outside the disadvantaged areas are contrary to EEC policy. There is an obligation on the Department of Agriculture to comply with EEC requirements.
I know the Parliamentary Secretary will agree that this is a most important scheme and that the maximum payment of £110 is not that great.
Yes, but it is the maximum set down this year. It is open to applicants who have not yet applied to apply up to 20th May.
Is it possible for a person to ring up the local office or the Department of Agriculture tomorrow and obtain an application form?
Yes. The latest date for completing applications will be 20th May. This is 11th May so there is sufficient time to get application forms.
There may be a slight misapprehension on this point. I gathered from a constituent that he had to have the application form already and that a phone call now might not yield an application form. Has that been corrected? Can one obtain an application form tomorrow?
Even people who participated in the scheme last year must reapply this year. The closing date is 20th May and it is mandatory on them to apply.
Is it possible to obtain an application form tomorrow and then apply?
Certainly.
Order. Next question.