I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 85 together.
To assist local offices in answering farmers' queries and to ensure that the most up-to-date information is available at local offices, an on-line computer system has been installed in local offices during the year. This system is now up and running and allows those offices to be linked to the central computer, to input pay directions directly to that computer without having to forward batches in the post to Dublin and to access that computer directly to see how each pay direction input is progressing and when payment is completed.
Farmers have of course been dealing with their local offices for years past and in most cases are able to get the information they require on their headage and premia payments. I am confident this new system of direct access by my Department's local offices to the mainframe computer in Dublin will enable those offices to improve their service to farmers in future.
I would not accept and indeed would most strongly refute the suggestion that the payment of 1993 headage and premia grants by my Department was characterised by any undue delay.