asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in payment of farm improvement grants; and the average delay being experienced between requisition and payment.
28.
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
26.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the length of time it takes for his Department to pay out grants for farm improvement projects under the various schemes once the documentation of approval is received from the local offices and inspectors.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 28 together.
Payment of grants under the farm investment schemes operated by my Department are being phased in such a way so to ensure adherence to the amount provided in the Vote. These payments are made as early as possible but at present there is a delay of approximately 5-6 months, except in the case of the western drainage scheme where the delay is minimal. All claims received under each scheme are dealt with strictly in order of receipt.