Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Mar 1992

Vol. 416 No. 7

Written Answers. - Beef Premium Scheme.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

23 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if, in view of a reply he gave to Deputy D'Arcy in Dáil Éireann on 20 November 1991 regarding the high level of disqualifications from the beef premium scheme, when he stated that where mistakes were made without fraudulent intent and where there is reasonable explanation for such mistakes, the Department would make every effort to treat each case with flexibility, he will outline the evidence of this flexibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I have no discretion in relation to the application of the EC regulations governing this scheme which are extremely detailed and must be complied with fully. On foot of a review of these regulations carried out by a departmental task force, however, and accepted by me, payment can now be made in a large number of cases of innocent error.