Vol. 557 No. 2
166 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath, whose herd was wiped out in August 2002 with BSE, and as a result had to obtain a new herd number, has not received a suckler cow premium to date; the steps he will take to have the moneys immediately issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21823/02]
The 2002 area aid application of the person named has been fully processed with an area determined for payment purposes of 48.68 hectares.
Payment of the 80% advance under the 2002 suckler cow premium scheme will issue to the person named within the next seven days.
167 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) will receive a REP scheme payment; if it will be released instantly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21861/02]
Local staffing issues in the farm development service office in Sligo have recently had some impact on the time taken to process REPS payment applications, including that of the person named. Processing of his application was prolonged further by the fact that on 8 August he submitted an amended plan indicating, inter alia, that he had ceased organic farming. The processing of his application will be completed in the near future.
