Vol. 540 No. 1
200 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason ewe premium payments will not be made until September 2001; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship this will cause to many families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19656/01]
Given the unacceptable situation highlighted in the detailed assessment of ewe premium applications in the Cooley area of County Louth, my Department has had to put in place additional controls under the 2001 ewe premium scheme. These include documentary and other checks which may be conducted on-the-spot or by administrative means. In conducting these control checks I have asked my officials to pay particular attention to sheep slaughter data in meats plants and to details of movements under the permit arrangements introduced on 3 March last. This exercise is still ongoing. I expect, however, that payment of the first instalment of 2001 ewe premium can commence from the middle of July. Payment will not be made in those cases which are under query until such time as all outstanding queries have been resolved.
201 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will pay an extensification grant and headage to a per son (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [19689/01]
Under EU regulations herdowners wishing to participate in extensification premium in a particular scheme year must also lodge an area aid application for that year. The person named did not submit an area aid application for 2000 and cannot, therefore, be considered for 2000 extensification premium.
