Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Jan 1997

Vol. 473 No. 4

Written Answers. - Installation Aid Scheme.

Cecilia Keaveney

Question:

569 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether a Land Registry dealing number can be used as proof of transfer for initiating the payment of the young farmer installation aid; and if he will make a statement on the fact that this dealing number is sufficient for the farm retirement scheme requirements. [1672/97]

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

Under the installation aid scheme it is essential that the lands the subject of the application are fully registered in the name of the applicant.

The issue of land registration for applicants under the scheme of installation aid for young farmers has been examined on numerous occasions since its inception in 1986. Legal advice has been sought on these occasions and has remained constant. As the applicant for aid is the ultimate beneficiary, it is essential that the he or she be the full registered owner of the lands the subject of the application prior to the payment of the premium.

The applicant for the pension under the farm retirement scheme is the ultimate beneficiary and accordingly the evidence that the lands have been transferred to another person is deemed adequate to satisfy the basic criteria under the scheme. In these circumstances it is sufficient to show, by the production of a dealing number, that the lands have been transferred and that the necessary papers have been lodged with the Land Registry.