Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:213 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when the remainder of suckler premium will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
The person named is registered under herd number I117098. He applied for premium on 11 cows under the 1993 suckler cow premium scheme. The application was rejected at computer validation. The problem involved has now been resolved, however, and it is expected that a 60 per cent advance as provided in EU regulations will be paid shortly. Payment of the balance of the suckler cow premium cannot be made to a particular applicant until all applications received from him-her in the course of 1993 have been processed. This is necessary to ensure compliance with EU regulations covering in particular the ceiling on eligible animals and stocking density.
A 60 per cent advance under the beef cow scheme amounting to £660 was paid to the person named on 23 December 1993. The balance of this grant will be paid in the near future.