Willie O'Dea
Ceist:149 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will review his Department's decision in relation to an application under the special premium scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick.
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
This applicant included in his application three animals whose identity cards had been marked to show that premium had been paid on the animals in 1990. Accordingly, under EC rules, he must be ruled out of this year's scheme and is debarred from entering the scheme again for 12 months following this decision.
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:150 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food his views on whether his Department was totally justified in its decision that a person (details supplied) in County Limerick is ineligible for any payment under the 1991 special beef premium scheme and that he will be disbarred from participating in that scheme until 26 August 1992; if he will review this case in view of (1) the letter from his veterinary practitioners which he showed to his Department and (2) the fact that only one animal out of 29 was involved; and if he will make a statement about the general practice of his Department in the administration of this scheme.
The applicant was ruled out of this year's scheme because the person concerned applied for the premium on a female animal, whereas the scheme is confined to male animals. My Department have reviewed the case, as requested by the Deputy, but it has been decided that the decision already made cannot be altered. Under EC rules the applicant is debarred from entering the scheme again for 12 months from the date of the decision.
The Department's approach to administration of this scheme is dictated by the relevant EC Regulations, full compliance with which was promised to the EC Commission following certain concessions given by them in relation to the 1990 scheme. Unless or until these regulations are changed, this approach must be maintained. My Department have recently written to the Commission seeking a change in the regulations and I will ensure that the matter will be followed up.
Michael Creed
Ceist:151 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be paid his farm grant; when these works were approved and the reason for the delay in payment.
This grant could not be approved pending the receipt of the applicant's farm accounts for the year ended 31 December 1990. The accounts have now been received and it is estimated that payment will be made within the next four to five weeks.