Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 4

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

John Perry

Question:

103 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that farmers are not notified of any problems on their area aid application until months later when their premium cheque does not arrive; the steps, if any, he has put in place to ensure that farmers receive accurate information regarding specific problems on their 1999 area aid applications in view of the fact the area aid applications are the key to farmers successfully drawing down their full headage, premia and tillage subsidies; when a farmer will be notified of any problems on his application; if he will ensure that there will be no delays in payment in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10421/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

Arrangements have been put in place for the 1999 area aid scheme which will ensure that all applications are processed as quickly as possible.

An important feature of the 1999 arrangements is the earlier closing date of 23 April as opposed to 15 May in previous years. This will allow for an additional processing period in advance of the payment deadline. However, efficient processing is also dependent on the accurate completion of the applications and the submission of maps and other supporting documentation. Correspondence will issue to applicants quickly in relation to queries arising with their applications. A prompt response to such notifications will ensure that there will be no undue delays in the completion of the processing of 1999 applications and, consequently, no delay in the issue of eligible payments.

David Stanton

Question:

104 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if discrepancies in the area aid application of a person (details supplied) have been investigated fully; if a resolution has been achieved which is acceptable to all parties involved; if the person is owed any payment as a result; if so, when payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10422/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

The area aid application has been processed for the person concerned. However, the applicant had divided a number of parcels and on checking it was discovered that the applicant had claimed one area of land twice. My Department informed him of the position and requested additional information to clarify the matter. No reply has yet been received from the person concerned and as soon as it is submitted the matter will be examined.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

105 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a depopulation grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10503/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

During the process of determining grant entitlements for the person named, it was established that a number of eligible animals which had not been 30 day pre-movement blood tested in accordance with legal requirements entered the herd. The matter of grant entitlement as well as other aspects of the case are as a result under review. The person named will be informed in due course as to the Department's decision in relation to this matter.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

106 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Agri culture and Food when a 1996 special beef premium will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Cavan. [10504/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

Following a field inspection the person named was excluded from the special beef premium scheme for two years which was subsequently reduced to a one year exclusion, that is, 1996. This decision was further appealed to the headage and premia appeals unit which is currently dealing with the matter.

Michael Ring

Question:

107 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a Department official will call to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo to inspect his lands and to determine if the area digitised by his Department is correct. [10505/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

As stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 165 of 2 March 1999, I have arranged for an area aid inspection to be carried out to determine if the area digitised by my Department is correct. This will take place as soon as possible.