Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 2

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Question:

78 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the difficulty being experienced by farmers who applied for premium payments on bulls which are currently being categorised as fraudulent applications by his Department; and if he will have arrangements made to have this situation resolved. [15848/97]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

Where an applicant declares an animal to be a steer for special beef premium and it is found at inspection to be a bull, the appropriate penalty required by the relevant EU Regulation must be applied. If an applicant disagrees with the Department's decision, he or she is free to appeal against any penalty imposed.