Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 5

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

John Deasy

Question:

57 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the financial hardship being caused to farmers who have yet to receive payment of slaughter premium which has been delayed due to an error in his Department; the number of persons who have yet to receive the first instalment of their premium; when it is expected that payment will issue; if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) who is awaiting payment of approximately ?12,000; and if the payment will issue prior to Christmas. [31894/03]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The person named currently has 201 animals eligible under the 2003 slaughter premium scheme. A cheque for the amount of €12,864, which represents the 80% advance payment on the 201 animals, issued to the above named on 16 December 2003.

Under EU regulations, advance payments under the slaughter premium scheme cannot issue until 16 October of the year in question. Balancing payments will issue when the national quota has been established. The quota is expected to be established in May 2004.

Advance payments have issued for approximately 98% of eligible animals under this scheme in 2003. The remaining animals have not been cleared as a result of individual queries. When these queries have been resolved and validated, payment will issue in the appropriate manner and in accordance with the regulations as laid down by the European Commission.