Vol. 519 No. 6
122 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford has had his suckler cow premium quota cut and when an appeal in this case will be determined; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this person was advised by an administrative officer not to apply for his herd premia in that year; and if the matter will be reviewed sympathetically. [14662/00]
The person named applied for 1998 suckler cow premium on 35 animals.
Three of the animals applied on were rejected as being ineligible for the scheme. He was paid on 32 cows with a reduction penalty and a late application penalty as his application was lodged after the 30 October 1998 closing date. This decision has been appealed and the outcome of the appeal will issue shortly.
In relation to the suckler cow quota, the person named held a quota of 39 rights in 1999 and applied for suckler cow premium on 34 animals. He has been paid premium in full on that number. As he only applied on 34 cows under the 1999 scheme he did not use 90% of his suckler quota and, in accordance with the regulations, was liable to lose the five unused quota rights. He was informed of this position in January 2000 by my Department. He was also given the right to appeal this decision but did not take up this option. There is no record in my Department of advising the person named not to apply for premia.
123 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the current position in relation to a 1999 headage grant payment for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [14665/00]
Following processing of the area aid application of the person named, an overlap with land claimed by another herd owner was determined. The files of both the herd owners concerned were sent for ground inspections, which took place recently. The results of these inspections will be finalised shortly.
124 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the status of a farm retirement grant for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [14666/00]
Payment of the pension in this case will commence at the end of May 2000 retrospective to 10 August 1999, the date on which a valid application was received.
