asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that no payments of the subsidy on the export of fat cattle and beef have been made so far this year; that some exporters are owed sums of up to £30,000; and that, if payments are not made immediately, a number of exporters will find themselves financially embarrassed; and, if so, what is the cause of the delay in payments; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Subsidy on Export of Fat Cattle.
24.
The position is not as stated by the Deputy. So far, approximately £90,000 has been paid by my Department to exporters, and no exporter has an outstanding claim amounting to more than a fraction of the figure mentioned by the Deputy. Some delays did occur in January and February, due in part to the exceptionally large number of claims and in part to incomplete documentation of claims by exporters. The Deputy will appreciate that the work of examining and passing such claims is of a detailed and rather intricate nature. It is expected, however, that all outstanding claims which are properly documented will be disposed of during the next fortnight.