Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2010
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Grant Payments.
678 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12317/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis person named had 27 animals born during 2008 for consideration under the Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment issued for 12 of these animals on 12 March 2009 and for 1 animal on 12 June 2009. The applicant was advised by letter, dated 30 June 2009, that the remaining animals were not eligible for payment as 13 had not been registered within the statutory 27 days of birth and the mother of the other remaining animal was moved from the herd before the animal was weaned.
The applicant was given an opportunity to have this decision reviewed, which he did by letter dated 12 July 2009. However, the decision was upheld on review and he was notified by letter of 13 August 2009 that he could appeal this decision to the Agriculture Appeals Office within three months of the date of that letter. There are 26 animals born during 2009 for consideration under the 2009 Scheme. Paragraph 8.5.2 of the terms and Conditions of this Scheme states that: Abrupt weaning of all animals at one time is not permitted. For herds with more than 10 suckler cows, a gradual weaning procedure must be followed when weaning. Calves must be weaned in at least two separate groups with each group being removed at a minimum interval of 5 days.
None of the animals are eligible for payment as two of the animals died while very young while the remaining 24 animals were all weaned on the same day — 26 October 2009, which is contrary to the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme.
