Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 1

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Brian Cowen

Question:

108 Mr. Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if 1996 suckler cow and cattle headage premia will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6401/97]

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

The herdowner was demed to have made a false declaration through serious negligence by applying for suckler cow premium and cattle headage on an animal which he had sold a month before he lodged his application with the Department. The penalty for false declaration through serious negligence is exclusion from the scheme for one year.

An appeal was lodged with the headage and premia appeals unit and the matter is now being considered. It is expected that the case will be finalised within the next week. The herdowner will be notified of the outcome as soon as a decision has been made.