asked the Minister for Agriculture the reason for the delay in paying grants for bulk milk tanks to farmers in west Kerry.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Kerry Bulk Milk Tanks.
3.
There is no delay in the payment of grants for milk tanks in west Kerry. Applications in respect of such equipment are processed in the normal way and if in order the grants are paid without delay.
Is the Minister aware there is a delay of up to two years, particularly in the parish of Listowel, and would he look into the matter again?
I am aware that under the terms of the special scheme an agreement was reached that £2.5 million would be used under the co-responsibility arrangement to aid small farmers in the west of the country towards the purchase of bulk tankers as storage equipment for milk and that the Kerry co-op mounted a major campaign to encourage farmers to avail of it. My Department agreed to the use of farm modernisation grants for such equipment as well. The co-op had a bulk submission under the farm modernisation scheme of about 700 applications, including receipts. There is no way in which farm modernisation grants can be paid through the co-ops directly on the basis of submissions of accounts of that nature. My officials have met people in the Kerry co-op and explained what will be necessary in order that the grants can be paid.
I appreciate the Minister's frankness but I would point out that the delay I have been referring to concerns a private company. I will give the name of the company to the Minister later.
I will be glad to get specific information.