Vol. 537 No. 2
151 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when the appropriate grant payment in relation to a milk tank installation will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if he will ensure that this matter is now expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15568/01]
Detailed procedures for the processing of applications under the investment aid for the improvement of dairy hygiene standards scheme are being finalised at present. Once the procedures have been finalised I have given instructions that all applications on hand, including the application referred to by the Deputy, are to be examined as a matter of urgency. Where in order, approvals should issue immediately thereafter.
152 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will make a 2000 REP scheme grant payment to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [15569/01]
The person named had lodged an appeal against a penalty imposed because of a failure to declare all the lands being farmed. This is a basic requirement of the scheme. The problem related to leased lands and the matter has been under investigation by my Department. Payment could not be processed until the matter was finalised.
A final decision on the penalty has now issued from the REPS appeals committee and his file is being returned to the local office for processing of payments due to him.
153 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will reconsider his Department's decision on a late application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for inclusion in the 2000 suckler cow scheme. [15583/01]
The closing date for receipt of applications under the 2000 suckler cow premium scheme and the 2000 cattle headage scheme was 31 May 2000. Grants for applications received after that date but before 26 June 2000 were reduced by a cumulative 1% for each working day the application was late. No grants were paid on foot of applications received on 26 June 2000 or thereafter as provided under the terms and conditions governing the schemes. The applications submitted by the person named under the 2000 suckler cow premium scheme and the 2000 cattle headage scheme were received by my Department on 26 June 2000. My Department wrote to the person named, on 26 June 2000, advising him that, as the applications were received after the final closing date for receipt of applications under the schemes, his applications could not be accepted. He was given the opportunity to provide, within 21 days, details of any reasons why these applications should be accepted. A reply from the person named was received by my Department on 16 March 2001 but the reason provided by him was not sufficient to allow acceptance of the applications under the terms and conditions of the schemes. He was advised by letter on 10 April 2001 of the position and was also given the opportunity to have this decision reviewed by writing to my Department, within 21 days, with any additional information which may benefit his case. To date no reply has been received from the person named.
