Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 17 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 4

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

95 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be approved payment under the cattle headage and suckler cow scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14371/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

As stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 136 of 12 December 2000, the application of the person named under the 2000 cattle headage scheme was subject to a reduction penalty, and he was given the opportunity to have the decision to impose this penalty reviewed.

A subsequent check on his 2000 cattle headage scheme application and also on his 2000 suckler cow premium scheme application showed that 13 animals which were entered in his bovine herd register were not present in his herd at an inspection on 27 September 2000. My Department wrote to him on 9 April 2001 advising him that as he was in breach of clause 34 of the terms and conditions of the 2000 cattle headage scheme and clause 34 of the terms and conditions of the 2000 suckler cow premium scheme in relation to animal identification and registration requirements, a reduction penalty would apply to his suckler cow premium application, and that an increased penalty would apply to his cattle headage application. He was given the opportunity to have these decisions reviewed. His application for a review was received by my Department on 30 April 2001.

The review is currently under way, and will be finalised shortly, when the findings will issue to him.

96.Mr. Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when a special beef premium payment in respect of the most recent application will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Laois. [14372/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

The person named applied for special beef premium on 29 castrated males and one uncastrated male on 21 December 2000. At on-farm inspection it was discovered that 18 out of the 29 males were in fact fully intact bulls. Medical evidence confirming ill-health of the applicant was submitted together with a letter stating that the 18 animals concerned have since been castrated. Premium payment will issue following confirmation of castration at on-farm inspection. This inspection will be carried out as soon as possible.