Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004
170 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of persons who received forestry grants in 2003; the number of applicants eligible for grants in 2004; and the length of time on average it will take his Department officials to process applications for payment in 2004, as compared with 2003. [20041/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra171 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if the error which occurred in his Department in 2003, whereby the payment forms for forestry grants were not sent out on time to those eligible for grants will be averted in 2004; the reason payments are being held up now in view of the fact that the error was made by his Department; and if all payments will be expedited in 2004. [20042/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to takes Question Nos. 170 and 171 together.
I am not aware of any error in application forms for forestry grant payments in 2003. A total of 1,026 afforestation grants were paid in 2003 and at least a similar amount estimated for 2004. The average length of time for processing of grants applications in 2004 will be eight weeks form date of receipt of applications complete with all supporting documentation. This is in line with average turnaround time in 2003.
172 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon is having their premia reduced following an on-the-spot area aid inspection even though the formal decision stated that no penalty would be imposed if it did not affect premia calculations; if, in view of the fact that the forage area does not affect premia payments, all payments will be made in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20059/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named applied for a total forage area of 72.93 hectares on his 2003 area aid application. During the course of an inspection of the applicant's lands a reduced area of 60.46 hectares of forage land was found. This resulted in a 20.63% overclaim penalty. However, no area linked penalties will apply to suckler cow premium or special beef premium payments where the area found is sufficient to support a stocking density of 1.8 livestock units per hectare or less.
The person named applied for premium on 23 animals under the 2003 suckler cow premium scheme. The application has been processed and payment amounting to €5,155.45 issued on 14 April 2004. This represents payment in full in respect of the number of animals applied on. Payment of €765.90 issued on 29 June 2004 in respect of animals qualifying under the suckler cow national envelope. Regarding the 2003 extensification premium, the position is that eligibility has been established and the person named can expect a payable order for €920 shortly.
173 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when extensification payment will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [20080/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 10 June 2004, a sum of €240 was credited to the bank account of the person named, representing the extensification premium due to him on his three sucker cows.
