Vol. 504 No. 7
174 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow will be paid arrears in relation to her application for sheep headage payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12905/99]
The person named was not an applicant under the 1998 sheep headage scheme.
However, she applied under the 1998 ewe premium scheme and rural world premium in respect of 295 ewes. In order to qualify for payment under the rural world premium applicants must have at least 50 per cent of their holding used for sheep production in the disadvantaged area and must also submit a valid area aid application.
The person named stated on her 1998 ewe premium application that at least 50 per cent of her holding was in the disadvantaged area. On that basis an advance payment of £3,180.88 including £1,462.58 in respect of the rural world premium was made with the first advance on 19 June 1998. She was paid £1,571.47 in respect of the second advance on 22 October 1998. However, subsequent checks revealed that the person named did not submit an 1998 area aid application and this gave rise to an overpayment in respect of the rural world premium which was offset against the final instalment of the 1998 ewe premium. Her full entitlement under the final instalment was £1,936.29 but taking the overpayment into account the amount due was £473.71. Payment was made on 26 February 1999.
