Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 622: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if consideration will be given to an application under the 2004 premium scheme for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34145/04]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The person named submitted four applications under the 2004 EU special beef premium scheme, one dated 11 August 2004, in respect of one animal, one dated 8 October 2004, in respect of one animal, one dated 29 November 2004, in respect of three animals and one dated 10 December 2004, in respect of one animal. The animal in question, which died two days prior to the end of the retention period, was included on the application dated 11 August 2004.

Under the terms and conditions governing the 2004 EU special beef premium scheme, which derive from EU regulations, premium will not be paid if an animal dies or is lost or removed during the retention period due to natural circumstances for example, death of animal following an accident or disease but not sale, provided the applicant notifies the cattle movement monitoring system database within ten working days of any such event. However, where an applicant fails to so notify such an event, additional penalties are also applied.

In the circumstances, therefore, no payment can issue in respect of the animal in question and the animal will, be counted for premium stocking density purposes as required by the EU regulations. Payment in respect of the remaining three applications will issue shortly. The person named had two animals slaughtered under the 2004 slaughter premium scheme. Both of these animals were also eligible for the national envelope top-up on beef breed heifers. The 60% advance payment has issued in respect of both animals.