andMr. Nealon asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his Department pays grants to members of the public, if so, the amount of each such grant approved for payment, but unpaid as of 31 December, 1987; and the equivalent figure for 31 December, 1986.
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
53.
Grants from my Vote are paid as they arise subject to normal processing constraints. For farm investment schemes, however, notably the Farm Improvement Programme there are some delays in making grant payments. At 31 December 1987 the aggregate amount of approved but unpaid grants was approximately £9 million. The equivalent figure for end of 1986 was £2.2 million but this latter amount is well within normal payment processing times. The increase in the number of unpaid grants at end 1987 is due to adherence to the amount allocated for the relevant subhead. Given the number of payments made it would not be practicable to give particulars of the individual grants.
54.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in payment of a farm development grant to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry whose application was approved on 7 September, 1987: when payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
A claim under the farm improvement programme for payment of a grant of £4,472 has been received and will be paid as soon as practicable. All claims under the programme are dealt with strictly in order of receipt. Due to existing budgetary constraints there is some delay in making grant payments.
55.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will make arrangements for the payment of a calf subsidy due to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly.
The person named will be paid his 1987 calf premium scheme grants when the batch which includes his payment is processed.