asked the Minister for Agriculture if there has been any definite decision made yet by the EC, regarding special storm damage aid for Irish farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Storm Damage Aid.
140.
No decision has yet been received from the EC Commission on this country's application for special aid for certain Irish farmers who suffered hailstorm damage last July.
141.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state in respect of (a) the nitrogen subsidy and (b) the silage subsidy; the number of applications from farmers in County Meath; the number approved and the amount of the subsidy to be paid under these special storm damage schemes.
The number of applications received from farmers in County Meath under the nitrogen and silage subsidy schemes are 267 and 281 respectively. As the processing of these applications is not yet completed it is not possible to state at this stage how many of them will be approved. The rate of nitrogen subsidy is related to the nitrogen content of the fertiliser used for example CAN 27½ per cent N £1.75 per 50KG bag, the maximum subsidy per applicant being £35. The rate of silage subsidy is £4 per tonne (40 cubic feet) subject to a maximum payment of £200 per applicant.