Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 3

Written Answers. - Departmental Systems.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

280 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the system he has in place to deal with all mail and particularly registered mail delivered to his Department in view of the number of mailed letters, mainly relevant to the area aid and premia sections, which are being delivered to his Department but are not being received by the relevant sections; and if his attention has been drawn to the number of people who are being requested to provide evidence of proof of postage of their applications. [23305/96]

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

All the mail including registered mail and particularly mail relating to the area aid and premia schemes received in my Department is dispatched immediately to the relevant sections. Incorrectly addressed mail is also upon receipt in my Department immediately referred to the correct locations. Evey applicant for headage and premia is advised in the relevant schemes terms and conditions to obtain a certificate of postage from An Post. It proves necessary in only a small number of cases for my Department to seek evidence of postage from farmers.