Vol. 536 No. 4
115 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if, in the context of the decision to refuse payment if respect of cow/heifer premia in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, due cognisance was given to the fact that he suffered a severe eye condition which would have caused him considerable confusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14516/01]
As stated in my reply to previous questions, the decision regarding non-payment of grants under the 1991 and 1992 suckler cow premium schemes was reviewed on numerous occasions.
My Department took account of the applicant's eye condition when reviewing the decision. While the medical certificate confirms that he had this condition since 1988 he correctly completed the application forms under the 1988, 1989 and 1990 suckler cow premium schemes. It could not therefore be accepted as a valid reason for the large number of ineligible animals he applied on under the 1991 suckler cow premium scheme.
