Vol. 539 No. 1
149 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will ensure that an extensification payment due to a person (details supplied) is released; if he will resolve all difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18659/01]
The person named applied on five suckler cows under the 2000 suckler cow premium scheme. He received premia amounting to a total of £736.95 under this scheme and an additional sum of £22.70 in respect of euro compensation. All applications received by my Department under 2000 suckler cow premium scheme were cross-checked with the cattle movement monitoring system (CMMS). This cross-check showed that one of the animals applied on by the person named was slaughtered within the six months retention period of the scheme. He did not notify my Department of its slaughter or of a replacement animal as required under the scheme's terms and conditions. He was advised by letter of 20 April 2001 that this animal was being rejected and that an overpayment of £273.47 was made. He was given the opportunity to appeal the decision within 14 days and did so. The information supplied was not sufficient to enable my Department to allow the grants paid to stand and accordingly the sum of £273.47 has still to be recovered. The extensification premium and euro compensation due to the person named on foot of his 2000 suckler cow premium application will be offset against the overpayment. The balance of the overpayment will be recovered from future grants due.
150 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the way in which a sheep headage 2000 payment for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was calculated and the reason for the reduction. [18685/01]
Under the Ewe Supplementary Measure 1998, introduced by my Department in October 1998, flock owners with commonage land in the six western counties, including Mayo, who were not participating in a REPS plan were obliged to reduce their sheep numbers by 30%. In the case of the person named his sheep numbers were reduced from 200 to 140 and payments under the 1999 and 2000 sheep headage schemes were limited to that number. I understand that compensation for the reduction in the sheep headage payments was made by the Department of Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands for the years 1999 and 2000.
151 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the result of a farm inspection for a REP scheme appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when this person can expect a payment. [18686/01]
In line with normal practice a report on the inspection has been prepared and this will be considered by the REPS appeals committee at its next meeting along with the participant's appeal and any other relevant information. The final decision on any penalty case rests with the REPS appeals committee and the person named will be informed of the outcome directly in writing. If the appeal is successful, payment will be made within 21 days of notification of the decision.
152 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive an extensification payment for 2000. [18687/01]
The request for extensification premium in this case is being processed and it is expected that payment will issue shortly.
Question No. 153 answered with Question No. 73.
