asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the provisions and arrangements which have been made for the payments of cattle headage grants in disadvantaged areas for 1987; the percentage of the 1986 cattle headage which was paid before Christmas; if it is his intention to have this paid before Christmas 1987; if it is his intention to pay, or if necessary, get EC sanction to pay the same rate of headage in 1987 as in 1986; if not, the rate per unit which will be paid; and the maximum per herd which will be paid in 1987.
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
70.
Applications for 1987 cattle headage grants will be issued by my Department to herdowners in the disadvantaged areas in a fortnight's time, inspections will start in late June and payments will commence in November on completion of inspections.
The percentage of 1986 payments made under the cattle headage schemes in the disadvantaged areas before Christmas 1986 was 75 per cent and it is hoped to pay the same percentage this year.
The payment rates which would be appropriate for 1987 are under consideration at present and will be announced later.
71.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in having a grant paid under the farm modernisation scheme to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny where the work has been inspected and passed for several months.
The grant could not be paid until evidence was received that the person mentioned was keeping farm records. This evidence was received only recently and payment will be made shortly.
72.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in having an installation grant paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny where the application has been made for some time and all matters finalised.
The application under the scheme of installation aid for young farmers from the person mentioned cannot be further processed until the applicant furnishes ACOT with a certified copy of the original deed of transfer, stamped by the Revenue Commisioners. The applicant is aware of this requirement.