All applications received by my Department under the 2000 suckler cow premium scheme have now been cross-checked with the cattle movement monitoring system.
With regard to the application submitted by the person named, it was found that one of the cows he had applied on was slaughtered within the six months retention period of the scheme and he did not notify my Department of its slaughter, nor of a replacement animal, as he is required to do under the terms and conditions of the scheme. He was advised by letter of 20 April 2001 that this animal was now rejected and that grants already paid to him under the scheme were subject to a reduction penalty.