Vol. 523 No. 3
75 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if a suckler cow quota for persons (details supplied) in County Cork was used for each of the past three consecutive years; and if so, the manner in which it was used. [20906/00]
The persons named held a suckler cow quota of two premium rights. Under EU regulations governing the quota regime, farmers holding quotas of seven or less are required to use at least 90% of that quota in any one of two consecutive years, otherwise the part not used in the second year will be forfeited and returned to the national reserve. Quota leased out is regarded as quota used. The persons named leased out their quota in 1998 for one year. They did not apply for the suckler cow premium scheme in 1999 or in 2000 and there is no record in my Department of having received a leasing form for the quota for 1999 or 2000. As none of the quota was used, no application made for the suckler cow premium scheme or quota not leased out, in either of those two years it has now forfeited and has been returned to the national reserve.
76 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when a decision will issue on a REPS appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [20907/00]
At present the possible application of a penalty to the REPS payment for the person named is under consideration by my Department. He will be informed of the decision as soon as possible. In the event that a penalty is applied he will have full recourse to the appeals procedures in place.
