Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 1992

Vol. 421 No. 4

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Michael Noonan

Question:

287 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 83 on Wednesday, 6 May 1992 was not fully correct, in so far as cards were forwarded by the applicant to the local livestock office, but due to a go-slow at the office in September and October of 1990 the cards were refused by the officials on duty; if, in view of this, he will re-examine the application with a view to payment.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The cattle identity cards for 20 of the animals sold by the person named were not presented to the Limerick Office of my Department and there was no go slow in that office in September and October 1990, accordingly the information given in Parliamentary Question No. 83 was correct.

The person named has been paid all the special beef premium grants due under his 1990 application and a further review of the case will not result in any further payments.

Ivan Yates

Question:

288 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the eligibility for payments under the hardship fund for farmers who suffered a severe outbreak of tuberculosis will be reviewed in relation to the 100 animal limit for testing purposes; if, in view of the hardship of a particular case (details supplied) in County Wexford, payments will be approved as surely the number of reactors is a lot more relevant than the number of cattle tested; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The person named does not qualify under the criteria for the Income Supplement Scheme.

In the context of the discussions on the proposed TB Eradication Programme 1992-96 the existing reactor grant structure and the measures to relieve hardship are being reviewed.