Michael Ferris
Ceist:8 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason EC suckling grants were not paid to persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grant Payments.
It was a condition of the 1990 EC suckler cow scheme and the 1990 EC special beef premium scheme that applicants must be over 18 years of age. The applicant in the case mentioned was under 13 years of age on the dates of applications under the two schemes and, consequently, has been deemed ineligible for grants under those schemes.
Is the Minister aware of the sad circumstances surrounding this case? The father died and left the farm to his only son and widow, the only two people mentioned in the will. It is not the son's fault that he is only 13 years of age; the situation was complicated by the fact that as it was the father's wishes the farm should be left to the son, the mother thought she should make the application in his name. Will the Minister reconsider this application? Perhaps the application should be made by the boy's mother? It is sad when the beneficiary is 13 years of age; many young people of that age work very hard on farms.
In deference to Deputy Kavanagh's request, I will examine the matter.