Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Feb 1999

Vol. 499 No. 3

Written Answers - Grant Payments.

Paul Bradford

Ceist:

188 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are young farmers who were eligible to qualify for the farm installation grant under the terms of the previous scheme and whose applications were before Teagasc or his Department at the time the scheme was suspended but will not be eligible under the terms of the new scheme; if he will ensure that this small number of applicants will be considered under the terms of the old scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2690/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

My Department is currently assessing the situation of farmers affected by the closure of the earlier scheme of installation aid who are ineligible for the new scheme.

Paul Bradford

Ceist:

189 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will seek permission from the EU to eliminate or reduce the retention period for the ten and 22 month beef premia schemes in view of the severe fodder crisis and the urgent need to allow farmers sell their cattle as quickly as possible. [2691/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

I am aware of the fodder difficulties being experienced by farmers at present. Arising from discussions at the Government meeting last week my Department and the Department of Finance have already entered into discussions to devise a suitably targeted scheme to assist farmers who are experiencing severe difficulty due to scarcity of fodder. The matter is being pursued with urgency.

With regard to a reduction in the retention period for the special beef premium, while I have raised this with the EU Commission, I would have to point out that the retention period has to be such as to allow my Department undertake the various checks and controls prescribed by EU regulations.

Paul Bradford

Ceist:

190 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will direct that the costings being used to calculate grant payments under the old farm development scheme programme should be reviewed and upgraded in view of the substantial increase in building prices over the past number of years; his views on whether the grant awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Cork reflects the actual cost of the work done; if this case will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2692/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh):

The standard costings used for calculating grant aid under this programme were last set in August 1994. Since the scheme was suspended in December 1994, it has not been considered necessary to review the costings.

The grant approval in this case was calculated in accordance with the rate which applied at the time of application.