Vol. 487 No. 1
84 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will approve the 1997 suckler cow premium for a person (details supplied) in County Waterford in view of the fact that the two animals about which there was a doubt were only slaughtered when permits had issued from his Department's office in Waterford and independent verification has been provided to show the breed of these animals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3475/98]
The person named applied for 1997 suckler cow premium on 71 animals. At an inspection of his herd on 19 August 1997 two of the animals listed on his application, and described as simmental, were absent. Following further office checks it was discovered that the two animals were ineligible breeds — while they were not tested in the herd of the person named they were tested in his father's herd in 1994, 1995 and 1996 as Friesians. The person concerned was deemed to have made a false declaration and consequently was disqualified from the 1997 and 1998 suckler cow premium schemes.
The person named sought a review of that decision based on documenation which purported to show that the two animals were not Friesians. A review was carried out by a person other than the person who made the original decision. The result of the review was communicated to him on 22 January 1998 and he was given an opportunity to lodge an appeal with the appeals unit of my Department if he was dissatisfied with the outcome of that review. No further appeal was lodged. If such an appeal is lodged, it will be considered by the appeals unit.
