The person named applied for premium for ten cows under the 2001 suckler cow premium scheme. Further checks on his application showed that four of these animals were in fact heifers and that the 20% heifer ratio was thereby exceeded. The applicant was informed of the situation on 14 November 2001 and given 21 days to reply. As the herdowner has not replied to date, his application is now being processed on the basis of three animals rejected with six cows and one heifer accepted for payment subject to a shortfall penalty. The person named has been informed of this decision and again has the option of contacting my Department within 21 days if he wishes to have his case reviewed.