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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Land Purchase Annuity.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

218 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the scheme promised regarding Land Commission land which was given to farmers, some of whom have been paying it for many years, whereby whatever farmers owed would be halved if it was paid immediately, will be introduced; when the proposal will be implemented; if he is proceeding with this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19915/02]

No decision has been taken on the introduction of a further land purchase annuity buy-out scheme. However, this matter is being kept under review.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

219 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason it was necessary for him to use Stubbs Gazette, Dun and Bradstreet to collect money from farmers; the number of letters which were sent out to farmers; the number of farmers who responded; the amount of money which was collected; the amount which was paid to this company; and if his Department should not have discussed this matter with the IFA first to find a resolution to this problem. [19916/02]

Dun and Bradstreet, Receivables Management Services, was engaged by my Department to pursue 216 land annuity holders who had consistently failed to discharge their repayment commitments. These annuitants owed €1.36 million, £1.07 million, to my Department at 1 May 2001. The amounts owed varied from €2,500 to more than €30,000. Initial letters seeking payment were issued to all 216 annuitants followed by further reminders. Payments totalling €375,000 have since been recovered in 134 cases. A total of €34,145 in commission has to date been paid to Dun and Bradstreet. The question of land purchase annuities is a matter that has been raised by and discussed with farm organisations, including the IFA, from time to time.

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