Michael Ring
Question:191 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a slaughter premium. [7628/99]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
An application was received on 11 February 1999 for 16 animals for deseasonalisation slaughter premium. A cheque for £547.84 in respect of same issued on 11 March 1999.
Michael Ring
Question:192 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payment under the fodder aid scheme. [7629/99]
As the Deputy is aware the Government has decided to provide further aid to alleviate the fodder crisis. My Department is currently finalising arrangements and it is hoped to commence payment within the next week.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:193 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the delay in the payment of a sheep premium to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if payment will be made as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7657/99]
Under the 1998 ewe premium scheme the person named submitted an application in respect of 36 ewes. Following an inspection of the sheep he was notified in writing that as he had not co-operated fully with the Department's inspecting officer the penalty was that he was debarred from the scheme for 1998 and 1999. Under the charter of rights for farmers he had his case reviewed by the district inspector who reduced the penalty from two years to one year. The person named then submitted an appeal to the appeals unit in Agriculture House who upheld the decision made by the district inspector and issued a lengthy explanation as to the reasons for agreeing with that decision.