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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 3

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

121 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason a suckler cow grant has not been paid to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22692/00]

The person named applied for 14 animals under the 1999 suckler cow premium scheme on 29 October 1999. At an inspection on 27 March 2000 it was found that eight of the animals applied on were sold inside the retention period of six months and not replaced. Three further animals applied on were not in the ownership and possession of the person named on the date of application. Under EU regulations the penalty for non-compliance of this nature is a minimum of one year disqualification from the scheme. The person named was notified of this decision on 7 June 2000.

The person named sought a review of this decision and forwarded a medical certificate to support his claim. However, following a re-examination of the case, the Department was not satisfied that eligibility of the animals in question could be established. Therefore, the original decision of one year disqualification from the scheme must stand. The person named was written to and advised of this decision on 6 September 2000 and was given the opportunity to appeal the decision to the appeals unit within 21 days. No further evidence or appeal has been received to date.

Ivan Yates

Question:

122 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will have his eligibility for special beef premia in 1999 reviewed; if his first application for 39 animals will be paid; and if the disqualification will only relate to his second application in respect of which there were genuine errors. [22695/00]

The person named submitted two applications for special beef premium in 1999. The second application in respect of 14 animals was received by my Department on 23 June 1999 and was the subject of an on-farm inspection. At this inspection, carried out on 5 October 1999, it was discovered that two animals listed on the application were not in the applicant's ownership and possession at the time of application. This was deemed serious negligence on the part of the applicant and a penalty of exclusion from the 1999 special beef premium was imposed. The person named was informed in writing on 23 February 2000.

On 30 June 2000 the district inspector carried out a review of the case. He found that the correct penalty had been imposed as the person named had applied on 14 animals when there were only 12 eligible animals on the holding.

On 1 August 2000 the case was sent to the headage and premia appeals unit of my Department for review. The appeals unit examined all the evidence presented and found that the correct penalty had been imposed. The person named was informed on 28 September 2000 that his appeal was unsuccessful.

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