Vol. 435 No. 1
18 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if, in relation to eligibility for the 22 month beef premium payment, the requirement that the animal have two teeth has proved to be an accurate indication of age; and the steps, if any, he will take to allow any animal already disqualified by this criterion to be grant-aided.
It is not a requirement for eligibility for the 22 month special beef premium that animals have two permanent teeth and animals are not being disqualified solely on the basis of not having permanent teeth. Teeth are checked only as a guide in determining the age of animals but other criteria including weight and development and Departmental records are also used in checking compliance with EC age requirements.
Any farmer who feels aggrieved that his or her animals were rejected on the grounds that they were not considered to be 21 months of age at the date of application is free to appeal to my Department. Farmers should submit any documentary evidence supporting their cases with their appeals.
