asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in payment of the young farmers installation grant which in some cases takes up to three years.
35.
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
25.
asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in the approval and payment of grants to young farmers under the installation aid scheme; and if his attention has been drawn to the financial hardships being caused.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 35 together.
Because of the detailed examination required to comply with the relevant EC regulation the determination of eligibility for the young farmer installation premium is inevitably a lengthy and complex process. When eligibility is determined payment is made as soon as possible having regard to the budgetary allocation.