The person named applied for 1998 suckler cow premium on 35 animals.
Three of the animals applied on were rejected as being ineligible for the scheme. He was paid on 32 cows with a reduction penalty and a late application penalty as his application was lodged after the 30 October 1998 closing date. This decision has been appealed and the outcome of the appeal will issue shortly.
In relation to the suckler cow quota, the person named held a quota of 39 rights in 1999 and applied for suckler cow premium on 34 animals. He has been paid premium in full on that number. As he only applied on 34 cows under the 1999 scheme he did not use 90% of his suckler quota and, in accordance with the regulations, was liable to lose the five unused quota rights. He was informed of this position in January 2000 by my Department. He was also given the right to appeal this decision but did not take up this option. There is no record in my Department of advising the person named not to apply for premia.