Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Jan 1998

Vol. 486 No. 1

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

472 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason his Department failed to make payment of a suckler cow premium in relation to additional quota from the national reserve to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who complied in good time with all requirements for payment of this additional premium; the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that payment is made to this person without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2151/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

The person named applied for 1997 suckler cow premium grants on 18 cows but he was only paid an advance on 5.7 cows as this was the quota held by him since 1994 when he was party to a purchase of six rights with a 5 per cent deduction for the national reserve.

He applied to the 1997 national reserve for 12 additional quota rights and these were granted to him. Due to an oversight the Department's records were not updated, prior to issue of the advance payment, to take account of the additional quota rights allocated to him from the national reserve. This matter has now been rectified and he will be paid the balance on 5.7 cows and full grants on the remainder of his eligible cows up to his quota limit of 17.7 shortly.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

473 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers who are awaiting payment of their 1997 sheep and cattle headage grants; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship that the non-payment of these grants is causing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2153/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

The position is that to date some £115 million has been paid to 94 per cent and 93 per cent of 1997 cattle headage-beef cow and sheep headage applicants respectively. This compares most favourably with the position at this time last year when some £111 million was paid to applicants under the 1996 disadvantaged areas' headage schemes.

The remaining applicants under the 1997 schemes are under query for one reason or another. Payments are continuing on an ongoing basis as outstanding queries are resolved.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

474 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be paid his cattle and sheep headage grants; and if he will make a statement on the reason for the delay in this payment. [2170/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

The area aid application of the person named was randomly selected for inspection in accordance with EU Regulations. The results of this inspection have now been received and processed. Outstanding payments will issue within the next two weeks.