asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of small holders in County Galway who have applied for factual assessment and who have not yet had a decision on their applications; and the reason for the delay.
Written Answers. - Assessment of Smallholders.
209.
There are at present some 180 cases of smallholders in County Galway who applied for factual assessment and who are awaiting a decision on their applications.
The reason for the delay in dealing with these cases is that almost 1,000 smallholders in the Galway area applied for factual assessment and this placed a considerable strain on the services of the Department. Of the 180 cases remaining the great majority should be cleared in the immediate future while any balance will be cleared as quickly as possible.
I should point out that all the small-holders in question continue to receive unemployment assistance under the national scheme while their cases are being investigated.