Michael Ring
Question:168 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be paid his REP scheme grant; which is now due. [18379/98]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
Michael Ring
Question:169 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has again been picked for random check under the REP scheme in view of the fact he was checked in 1997. [18380/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.
Cases for checking are selected centrally at random from the list of applicants who are due payments. Prepayment inspections are carried out on 5 per cent of new applicants and on 5 per cent of those applying for second and subsequent payments. The main purpose of this check is to ensure that the farmer's agri-environmental plan has been prepared in accordance with the Department's agri-environmental specifications, but it also involves an on farm visit for second and subsequent years' applications to ensure compliance with the requirements of the agri-environmental plan.
The participant has been chosen at random for a prepayment inspection. Arrangements will be made to have this inspection carried out as soon as possible, and if everything is in order, payment will be made without delay.
Michael Ring
Question:170 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive his payments under the 1997 extensification scheme and ewe premium which are still outstanding and causing financial hardship. [18381/98]
Payment of the first advance of the 1998 ewe premium and the balance of the 1997 extensification will be made to the person named shortly.
Michael Ring
Question:171 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive his special beef premium on one animal. [18382/98]
The tag number referred to was listed on an application for ten month special beef premium dated 2 December 1997, by the person concerned. However the same tag number was applied for in July 1997 by another herdowner and has been paid ten month premium. A 22 month application by a third herdowner is currenlty awaiting payment. While the person concerned maintains that he still has an animal bearing the tag number in his possession, his ten month application was supported by a replacement cattle identity card. The circumstances surrounding the whereabouts of the original card and the ten and 22 month applications submitted by the other two herdowners are currently under investigation. It is hoped that this investigation will be finalised in the next fortnight.