Paul Connaughton
Question:249 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the 20% 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. [15548/03]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
The person named applied for premium for 18 cows and four heifers under the 2002 suckler cow premium scheme. Payment of his 80% advance instalment for €3,945.04, issued on 29 October 2002. When processing the application for balancing payment it was found that the four heifers had calved during the retention period. 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. In order to maintain compliance with the 15% heifer ratio requirement it would be necessary to replace three of the heifers that calved. However, due to the industrial action by the clerical staff in the Galway office who are members of the CPSU, the inquiry into this matter has not yet been completed.