Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 1

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

120 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether beef premium will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in respect of five animals for which application was made on 8 February 1993, but inspection was not made until after the animals were disposed of; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

121 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies for beef premia in respect of 12 animals under the 1991 beef premium scheme, in view of the fact that the confusion which led to his disqualification arose when his Department gave instruction to discontinue matching animals and cards in 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry (Mr. J. Walsh)

I propose taking Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together.

Before 1 January 1993, special beef premium could be paid on male animals only once in their lifetime. The person named applied for premium on 17 animals in June 1991. Five of these animals were found to have been already claimed on by the person named in 1990 and accordingly no payment can issue under the scheme for 1991. My Department did not give instructions to discontinue matching animals and cards in 1990.

The person named applied for premium in respect of seven animals under the January-February 1993 special beef premium scheme but failed to submit the cattle identity cards of five of these animals for stamping and punching prior to sale as required under the terms and conditions of the scheme. As the five animals were sold at a mart and could be submitted for premium again payment cannot be made on these five animals. A 60 per cent advance in respect of the remaining two animals will be paid shortly.