Michael Ring
Ceist:92 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if full headage and premia will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of his particular circumstances. [23794/99]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
The person named lodged an 1998 area aid application in the district livestock office in Castlebar on 18 September 1998 over four months late. Accompanying the application form was a letter explaining the reason for the delay in lodging the application.
EU regulations permit the acceptance of late area aid application forms only in cases which can be considered as force majeure, for example, where illness prevents the applicant from submitting his/her form before the closing date. The reason given in the applicant's letter did not constitute force majeure.My Department is examining the situation in the light of the representation made and a direct reply will issue to the Deputy.
Ivan Yates
Ceist:93 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if the ewe premium of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be reviewed in view of the genuine error made and of his personal circumstances; and if he will be allowed to retain his quota and be paid on those animals which were eligible for payment when inspected. [23795/99]
The appeal which the herdowner lodged concerning his 1999 ewe premium application is currently being examined by the headage and premia appeals unit. It is hoped to have it concluded shortly. The herdowner will be notified of the outcome.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:94 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason a REP scheme payment has not been made to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23796/99]
The person named was chosen at random for a prepayment inspection. The inspection has been carried out but some further checks are required on relevant documentation. Subject to receipt of this documentation and a satisfactory report, payment will issue as soon as possible.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:95 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason a 1997 REP scheme payment for £3,700 to a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon was deemed to be an over-payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23797/99]
The person named was accepted into the REP scheme on 1 August 1996 with a contracted area of 22.28 hectares. Payment issued in respect of the contracted area for years one and two. A new five year plan was received on 10 December 1998 with a new contracted area of 25.04 hectares. Payment in respect of year three was made on the new contracted area. However, a top up payment in respect of national heritage area land was incorrectly paid on 22.28 hectares instead of 3.87 hectares. This resulted in an over-payment of £521.96 but, owing to a miscalculation, £664.04 was deducted from the year four payment. The error is regretted and a refund of £142.08 will issue shortly to the person named.
John Perry
Ceist:96 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when 1999 cattle and sheep headage will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; if he will ensure that all area aid problems are resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23799/99]
The 1999 area aid application for the person named has been fully processed, and any cattle and sheep headage payments will be made as soon as possible.