Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Jul 1993

Vol. 433 No. 7

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

110 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the number of cow or beef premiums still unpaid in respect of which refusal was based on incorrect or incorrectly submitted information, for each of the years ending December 1991, and December 1992; the total value of such refusals in 1991 and 1992 respectively; the number of any such cases referred to the Ombudsman for each of the years; the number of any in respect of which decisions were reversed; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

Statistics are not available on the number of applications submitted to my Department in 1991 and 1992 under the suckler cow premium and the special beef premium schemes and which are still unpaid because of incorrect or incorrectly submitted information. There is no record in my Department of any such cases being referred to the Ombudsman in these years.

I should point out that it is normal practice for my Department to provide applicants with an opportunity to amend obvious errors on application forms.