Michael Creed
Ceist:132 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has a brucellosis outbreak in his herd is entitled to a financial hardship grant. [8606/01]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
An application for a hardship grant was received from the person concerned in the district veterinary office on 12 March 2001. The 2000-01 hardship grant eligibility period expires on 30 April 2001. If the person concerned meets all the eligibility requirements between 12 March and 30 April, he will qualify for the appropriate hardship grant payment for this period.
Ned O'Keeffe
Ceist:133 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will make compensation under the hardship fund available to a person (details supplied) in County Cork whose herd has suffered from a disease problem and was locked up for a period of time. [8607/01]
Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh): Payment of the hardship grant to eligible herdowners is determined by the date of receipt of a completed application form, ER97, in the DVO. A completed application form was received by the DVO from the person concerned on 16 March 2001. An appeal by the herdowner concerned to have a hardship grant paid for a period prior to the receipt date was included with the application. The matter is under consideration at present. The DVO will be in touch with him shortly.