Vol. 490 No. 1
22 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will ensure that the application forms for the various livestock schemes, and particularly the box reference numbers thereon, are printed in larger lettering in view of the virtual illegibility of these on the existing forms. [9389/98]
30 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will examine the possibility of more legible user friendly forms for application for livestock grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9388/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 30 together.
The position with regard to livestock headage and premia application forms is that box reference numbers are necessary for computer purposes only and are not critical to a farmer when completing his/her form. All information required is requested by question or box heading and it is a matter for the applicant to respond to the questions asked by inserting information in these reference boxes but he-she does not need to take cognisance of the reference number on each of these boxes. The information sought in all cases is specific information about the applicant's own animals or land and should be readily available.
My main aim is to ensure that forms are as user friendly as possible whilst ensuring that all necessary data is captured on the forms. It is a matter of having the balance right so that obvious errors are eliminated and applications are processed in as efficient a manner as possible. While the present forms are recognised as being user friendly, the matter is being kept under review and any helpful suggestions will be considered by my Department.
