Vol. 474 No. 6
245 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if grant aid will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork under the Leader II programme for the development of a tourist-based business. [3495/97]
The Leader programme is administered by approved groups who have the decision making authority in relation to the grant aiding of projects in their areas. Decisions are made by the groups in accordance with the priorities of the business plans which they have drawn up and in compliance with the operating rules drawn up by my Department. The person concerned should contact his local Leader group which will advise him on the eligibility of his project for aid under these criteria.
246 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the reason payment of an afforestation grant approved in 1995 for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny has never been paid; and if he will have arrangements made for the payment of the appropriate instalments. [3497/97]
The mandate signed by the applicant provided for the payment of the two instalments of the afforestation grant and the first four annual premium payments direct to the contracting company which carried out the afforestation.
In accordance with that mandate, the first instalment of the afforestation grant was paid to the contracting company in December 1993 and the final instalment is similarly payable, subject to inspection, in December 1997. The annual premium payments have been made to the contracting company from April 1994 onwards. The first premium payable to the applicant is due in April 1998.
In the event of the sale of a plantation or part thereof, the new owner may qualify for a grant and premium payments, provided he/she agrees to maintain the plantation and complies with terms of the afforestation and premiums schemes.
