Michael Ring
Ceist:180 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a suckler cow premium for 2002 and the remainder of special beef premium for 2002. [13536/03]
Written Answers. - Grant Payments.
Advance payments at the rate of 80% issued in respect of 51 animals under the 2002 special beef premium scheme in October 2002. It has not been possible to date to finalise the regional quota overshoot for 2002 for applicants with in excess of 50 animals as my Department is awaiting clarification from the European Commission on the application of the relevant EU regulations. A decision will be made on the processing of balancing payments in respect of special beef premium as soon as this clarification is received.
The person named has been paid in full in respect of one eligible animal under the 2002 slaughter premium scheme. The person named applied for premium for 40 animals under the 2002 suckler cow premium scheme. An 80% advance payment amounting to €7172.80 was made on 23 October 2002. Payment of the balance outstanding will be made shortly.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:181 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a decision will be made on an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13560/03]
The agriculture appeals office received this appeal on 27 February 2003. An oral hearing took place on 8 April 2003. The case is now being finalised and it is expected that the appeals officer will issue a letter to the appellants notifying them of the outcome within the next week.