Vol. 557 No. 1
184 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the categories of persons in the PAYE sector who are eligible to draw cattle headage payments and headage payments in general; if differentiation has been made for public representatives as distinct from other PAYE workers; if so, the reasons therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21544/02]
The headage – cattle, sheep, equine and goats – payment schemes have been replaced with effect from 2001 by the area based compensatory allowance scheme. The main conditions for eligibility of the scheme are that applicants are registered herdowners, reside within 70 miles of the farm, farm a minimum of three hectares in a disadvantaged area, and maintain a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare. Being a PAYE worker or a public representative has no relevance to the conditions of the scheme. The general conditions for payment of grants under the premia schemes are that applicants are registered herdowners and that the animals applied on are maintained on the holding for the relevant retention periods. Again, whether a herdowner is a PAYE worker or a public representative has no relevance to the conditions of the premia schemes.
185 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not received a special beef premium or suckler cow premium for 2002; when this person will receive payment; and the reason for the delay. [21547/02]
The person named applied on two animals under the 2002 suckler cow premium scheme on 12 June 2002. An inspection of his herd was carried out on 31 July 2002 and his application is now being processed for payment.
The person named submitted one application for 2002 special beef premium in respect of six animals on 23 April 2002. The herd was selected for a producer inspection which was carried out on 31 July 2002. Payment will be made as soon as possible on completion of all appropriate checks.
