Vol. 568 No. 1
234 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the remainder of the suckler cow grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15233/03]
The person named applied for premium for 32 cows and 11 heifers under the 2002 suckler cow premium scheme. Payment of his 80% advance instalment issued on 16 October 2002. Under the terms and conditions of the scheme an applicant who has applied on 14 animals or more must continue to own, possess, hold and maintain on his holding during the six months retention period, a number of suckler cows at least equal to 60% and at most equal to 85% and a number of heifers at least equal to 15% and at most equal to 40% of the total number of animals for which premium has been requested, or acceptable replacements for those animals.
When processing the application for balancing payment it was found in the case of the person named that seven of the heifers applied on had calved during the retention period leaving only four heifers. In order to maintain the 15% ratio, two of the heifers that calved would require replacements. However, due to the industrial action by the clerical staff in the Galway office who are members of the CPSU, the inquiry relating to this matter cannot be dealt with further at this time.
