Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Feb 1999

Vol. 500 No. 7

Written Answers. - Suckler Cow.

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

216 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food with reference to Parliamentary Question No. 130 of 3 February 1998 the reason it was considered that the applicant (details supplied) in County Galway made a false declaration; the documentary evidence, if any, which the Department has to support any such contention; if any such documentary evidence exists; and the reason it was not furnished to the applicant pursuant to his application under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997. [4783/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

My Department was not satisfied that the person named had ownership and possession of all the animals he applied on under the 1992 suckler cow premium scheme. Therefore his declaration was considered false which meant he was debarred from the scheme for 1992 and 1993. He appealed the decision. The case was reviewed but the appeal was rejected and he was advised of the position by letter dated 26 May 1997. Subsequently, he lodged a request under the Freedom of Information Act. In accordance with the Act all documentation relevant to the request was disclosed. A further internal review was processed under the Freedom of Information Act and he was informed of the result of this review by letter dated 18 August 1998. Therefore the person in question has in his possession all the relevant documentation on which the decision in relation to his 1992 suckler cow scheme application was based.