Vol. 500 No. 5
115 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Sligo has not received 1998 cattle headage and suckler cow payments; if his area aid problems will be immediately resolved; if payment will be released instantly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4466/99]
The area aid application of the person named was selected for inspection in accordance with EU regulations. The results of this inspection have now been received and processed. Any outstanding payments due will issue as soon as possible.
116 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason it is necessary for sheep farmers in mountain areas to have entered their commonage lands for area aid in 1997; and if farmers who either purchase or lease these commonge lands in 1998 or thereafter will be excluded from claiming area aid on these lands. [4468/99]
The position in relation to area aid is that land is eligible where it is claimed on an area aid application form. If commonage land was pur chased or leased in 1998 and was included in the applicants area aid application it is eligible. To qualify for area aid payments on commonage lands in the future, the applicant must farm the commonage in accordance with the commonage framework plans.
117 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a fodder grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [4480/99]
In order to qualify under the 1998 winter fodder scheme a farmer had to have a herd number in one of the designated DEDs. The DEDs were designated on the basis of an examination by Teagasc of areas most affected by the bad weather.
The herd number referred to by the Deputy is not in any of the designated DEDs. Therefore the person named is not entitled to payment under the 1998 winter fodder package.
As the Deputy is aware the Government has decided to provide further aid to alleviate the fodder crises, the details of which are being finalised and will be announced shortly.
118 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that installation aid for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath is paid as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4610/99]
The application in this case is currently being processed. If everything is found to be in order payment will be made within the next six weeks.
119 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason his Department accepted an area aid grant application and agreed payment of this when a person (details supplied) stated in court that he had no involvement in the land for some years previously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4611/99]
An area aid application for 1998 was received from the person named. This application was processed and payments were made.
My officials will make contact with the Deputy in relation to the matter raised in the material which he supplied.
