Grant Payments.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 November 2005

Wednesday, 23 November 2005

Questions (141)

Paul Connaughton

Question:

176 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason an application for the installation aid scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Galway has been rejected; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that out of a total land holding of 47.63 hectares, only 3.04 hectares or 6% is held in joint ownership with their spouse; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that the applicant is a full-time farmer; if in view of the set of circumstances this case will be reopened with a view to having the installation aid payable to the applicant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36048/05]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan)

The terms of the installation aid scheme provide that, in cases of joint ownership or leases jointly held, all of the parties must be under 35 years on the date of set-up. This provision is not complied with in the case of this applicant at present. Were the land ownership conditions of the scheme to be fully respected, the Department will reconsider the application.