Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Jun 1995

Vol. 454 No. 6

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

59 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he has received representations requesting an extension of the application deadline for cattle headage payments in view of the fact that the dispatch of application forms was delayed; the proposals, if any, he has to extend the deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10681/95]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. Yates)

I am committed to providing an effective, efficient and streamlined service to farmers for all schemes operated by the Department including payment of headage and premia grants. The charter of rights for farmers which was published on 20 April sets out clear target dates for payments. To facilitate earlier payment in 1995 it was decided to bring forward the application period for the EU disadvantaged areas' cattle headage and the EU suckler cow premium schemes from June to May. This decision was taken in full consultation with the main farming organisations and the decision was initially announced on 10 April 1995. A further announcement was made on 9 May.

In accordance with a commitment in the charter, application forms for this year's cattle schemes were reviewed again in consultation with the farming organisations and composite application forms, covering the EU disadvantaged areas cattle schemes and the EU suckler cow premium schemes have been introduced. This will lead to much less paperwork for applicants and will streamline the processing of applications in my Department.

Application forms were available in the Department's local offices from 9 May while there was some delay in posting application forms directly to farmers the vast bulk of posted forms were with applicants for up to two weeks before the closing date of 31 May 1995.

Under EU regulations, a closing date for receipt of completed application forms must be set. In Ireland's case the closing date was 31 May and application forms received after that date but before 21 June are subject to a late application penalty. Applications received after 21 June cannot be considered for payment. The closing date forms part of the terms and conditions governing entry to the scheme and it is incumbent on my Department to adhere to that date. To do otherwise would create problems with the EU Commission and could ultimately lead to EU disallowances. I have no proposals to alter the closing date of 31 May 1995.