Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 25 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 3

Written Answers. - Grant Payments Agency.

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

59 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the promised independent agency to administer FEOGA and other payments, such as premia to farmers, will be established; the reason for the long delay in setting up the agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13593/99]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

I have circulated to other Departments a draft memorandum to Government on the establishment of a new office to administer FEOGA and other payments to farmers. I am awaiting their final observations before submitting proposals to the Government.

The draft memorandum was prepared following the substantial progress that has been made by my Department in preparing for the establishment of the food safety authority of Ireland and the implementation of the major decentralisation to Johnstown Castle, Wexford of large numbers of staff dealing with FEOGA payments.