asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of applications to date which have been received from small cereal producers for refunds of the co-responsibility levy.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Co-responsibility Levy.
8.
Approximately 8,000 applications.
How much has been allocated in full? How much was eligible for refund and how much actually refunded? Would the Minister consider that this was a cost-effective exercise in 1986?
Ireland's allocation for aid for 1986-1987 was £1.16 million. We estimate that from 15,000 to 20,000 people would be qualified for aid. For that reason when less than half those submitted applications for aid I instructed my Department to re-advertise. Deputies will appreciate that there must be an end to that campaign. I hope we will get some further applications which will enable us to allocate all the funds available.
Is there a limit on the amount to be refunded?
Yes, the figure in our case is £1.16 million.
Is there a limit on individuals?
Yes. Ireland's allocation will be distributed to applicants who paid co-responsibility levy of not less than £20 and had not more than 100 acres under cereals in 1986. There is no fixed limit except in relation to the figure I mentioned. It is my intention to distribute all of the funds and that will depend on the total number of applicants.