Vol. 415 No. 2
48 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will give details of the number of applicants for the special beef premium under EC regulations from County Laois that have been declared null and void due to a technical irregularity in filling in the form; and if he will outline the steps, if any, he proposes to take with the appropriate European institution in order to ensure that hardship does not prevail on many farm families.
The reason an applicant is refused special beef premium is because he or she has failed to comply with the EC regulations governing that scheme. The processing of 1991 applications in County Laois is taking place at present and it is not possible at this stage to indicate how many will be approved or how many will be refused. Refusals arise because of failure to comply with the rules governing the scheme which are stipulated in binding EC regulations.
I have been in contact already with the EC Commission with a view to having the penalties for irregular claims reduced. We have had a reply from the Commission services which indicates that changes in the arrangements are not being considered at this stage but that they will be considered in the context of the negotiations on the new premiums system suggested as part of the proposals on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. I am arranging for discussions on this point with the Commission to be continued.
