Vol. 439 No. 2
124 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment of the 1993 special beef premium; and the amount due to this person in respect of this premium.
The application of the person named for grants under the January-February 1993 special beef premium scheme was rejected at a computer validation check because of invalid tag numbers. When this problem is resolved his application will be processed further and any advance payment due to him will be made.
He did not apply for grants under the special beef premium scheme in the June 1993 application period.
125 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork who applied for the 1993 slaughter premium in respect of 15 animals was only paid for 14.
The person named has been paid 1993 deseasonalisation slaughter premium on 14 cattle so far because special beef premium had been paid on them and they were eligible in all other respects. Payment on the one remaining animal could not be made as special beef premium had not yet been paid on it. However, as payment of an advance of special beef premium is due to be made on that animal shortly, deseasonalisation slaughter premium will be paid on that animal in the near future also.
126 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will amend the regulations governing the applicable age limit for the farm installation grant to allow some measure of discretion in cases where applicants, for financial or other reasons were unable to take over a holding prior to their 35th birthday.
I do not propose amending the age limit requirement at this time.
I should point out that, at the date of first setting up as a full-time farmer, an applicant for installation aid must be under 35 years of age. However, the scheme allows the applicant up to two years from the date of setting up to attain the appropriate labour input — one man work unit — and educational qualifications. In these circumstances the applicant could be up to 36 years of age and still qualify for the scheme.
127 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when a 1993 suckler cow grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway.
The application of the person named for grants under the 1993 suckler cow premium scheme is being processed at present and any advance due in accordance with EU regulations will be paid shortly.
128 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when 1992 milk cattle premia and 1993 headage and premia will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
The person named will be paid his June 1992 and an advance of his June 1993 special beef premia shortly. His 1993 cattle headage application is being processed at present and any payment due will be made in the near future.
129 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when cattle headage will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo.
The application of the person named for grants under the 1993 cattle headage scheme is being processed at present and any payment due will be made shortly.
130 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the present position regarding reclassification under the disadvantaged area scheme.
The disadvantaged areas appeals panel is close to the completion of its work of examining areas seeking reclassification. One final issue is being clarified with the Department. When this is done the panel will be in a position to finalise its work rapidly. The panel will then present its findings to me and they will be included in a formal submission to the EU Commission for approval.
