John Ellis
Question:150 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the REP scheme application will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if moneys due will be paid. [11576/99]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 3 March 1999. The issue with regard to the hedgerow has now been resolved, however, an amended agri-environmental plan will be necessary to include lands previously rented to a family member. My Department has been in touch with the person named advising them of the position.
Jim Higgins
Question:151 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason for the four month delay in dealing with a headage appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11577/99]
The appeals unit has set itself a target of processing all but the most complicated and intractable of appeals within three months. Two additional full-time staff were assigned to the unit and this, together with overtime worked in the unit, is contributing to reducing the delay in processing appeals.
The herd-owner lodged an appeal on 15 December 1998. The appeal was fully examined by the headage and premia appeals unit and the herd-owner was notified on 28 April 1999 of the outcome to the appeal.
Michael Finucane
Question:152 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a fodder grant was not paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [11578/99]
The person named did not lodge an application under the 1998 suckler cow premium, ewe premium or sheep headage schemes and was not an active milk supplier in the 1998-99 season. He does not therefore qualify for assistance under the fodder schemes. He did lodge an application for assistance under the special fodder hardship fund scheme but based on a Teagasc assessment of his fodder requirements he does not qualify for aid from this scheme either.
Michael Finucane
Question:153 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Limerick has been requested to repay overpayments for each of the years 1993, 1995, 1996 and 1997 in view of the fact details of animals claimed for applied to lands in less disadvantaged areas and the area included in total lands which is non-disadvantaged does not apply in the circumstances of the grant application for those years. [11579/99]
All the lands declared by the person named on her area aid forms for the years 1993, 1995, 1996 and 1997 were incorrectly processed as disadvantaged for those years, and payment of full headage grants issued. However, it was discovered in 1998 that part of her land was in fact non-disadvantaged and did not qualify for headage. Since payment is based on the total forage area declared by headage applicants, and not just on the disadvantaged land, the person named fell due to be paid on a split-holding basis for the years 1993, 1995, 1996 and 1997. Consequently, the applicant was overpaid in the years in question and these amounts must now be recouped.