Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:
167. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who applied for the sheep welfare scheme in 2019; the number who did not submit their sheep census returns by the due date of 15 February; if he will now accept late applications from those who overlooked this task by accident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24612/19]
View answer
The information requested is currently being compiled and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to the information requested under PQ 24612/19 concerning the number of farmers that applied for the Sheep Welfare Scheme in 2019 and the number that did not submit their sheep census returns by the due date.
A total of 19,161 participants were enrolled in the Sheep Welfare Scheme in 2019. However, a total of 18,345 participants are currently eligible for payment in the 2019 scheme year. Amongst those not currently eligible for payment are 579 applicants who did not submit their sheep census by the due date of the 14th of February 2019.
Participants who failed to submit their sheep census by the due date were written to by the Department and advised they could submit an appeal to the Department in relation to the late submission of their census, including any relevant supporting documentation.
Please note that the figure of 18,345 cases currently eligible for payment in 2019 may not reflect the final number paid in the scheme year due to issues such as successful appeals, participants withdrawing from the scheme or failure by participants to meet obligations set out in the terms and conditions of the scheme.
