Vol. 477 No. 2
269 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will have arrangements made to issue payment of a 22 month beef premium to a person (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of 13 animals. [8707/97]
This herd owner has lodged an appeal with the headage and premia appeals unit concerning his January 1996 application for 22 month instalment of the special beef premium. This appeal is being considered. He will be notified of the outcome of this appeal as soon as his case has been fully examined by the unit.
271 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the current position regarding an appeal lodged in relation to the 1995 ewe premium scheme on behalf of persons (details supplied) in County Limerick. [8713/97]
This appeal has been examined in detail by the headage and premia appeals unit. The ewe premium scheme is governed by EU regulations which set down severe penalties for breaches of the terms and conditions of the scheme. The applicants failed to comply with the terms and conditions of the 1995 ewe premium scheme and, therefore, payment could not be made. However, in the light of the exceptional circumstances of the case, the Department is now making contact with the EU Commission in the hope of gaining some concession on behalf of the applicants. The applicants will be contacted as soon as there are any developments.
