John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 243: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Carlow is entitled to further benefit under the single payment scheme. [15914/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The herd number quoted, which has been dormant since 1995, was previously registered in the name of the spouse of the person named. As the spouse of the person named was not farming during the reference period, 2000 to 2002, having availed of the early retirement scheme in 1995, he did not establish any entitlements under the single payment scheme. Under the provisions of the single payment scheme, it will be open to the successor of the retired person to apply for entitlements from the national reserve, when he or she takes over the leased lands.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 244: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the balance of the suckler cow and beef premium grants will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [15943/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The person named submitted four applications under the 2004 special beef premium scheme, in respect of a total of 13 animals. The first application, in respect of seven animals, was received on 2 March 2004; the second application, in respect of one animal, was received on 19 April 2004; the third application, in respect of three animals, was received on 22 December 2004; and the fourth application, in respect of two animals, was received on 31 December 2004. The 60% advance payments in respect of the first and second applications issued on 19 October 2004, in respect of the third application on 23 March 2005 and in respect of the fourth application on 1 April 2005.

One of the two animals included on the fourth application was identified, following computer validation, as not registered in the herd of the person named on the date of application, as required under the terms and conditions of the scheme. While there is outstanding correspondence on this matter with the person named, the balancing payments in respect of the other animals included on the four applications are due to issue shortly. Any residual payment that might be due following resolution of the outstanding issue will be made in due course.

The person named applied for premium on 13 animals under the 2004 suckler cow premium scheme. Payment of his 60% advance instalment amounting to €1748.37 issued to him on 18 October 2004. The application has been processed and found in order for balancing payment.

However at balancing payment stage all administrative and on-farm checks in relation to bovine premia applications lodged by the herdowner are carried out on an integrated holding-based approach and payment due in this case under the suckler cow scheme had to be deferred pending processing of his special beef applications. As soon as the balancing payments under special beef due to issue shortly are paid payment of the suckler balancing instalment will follow.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 245: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded the beef premium grant. [15966/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The person named submitted three applications under the 2004 special beef premium scheme, in respect of a total of 32 animals. The first application, in respect of five animals, was received on 4 March 2004; the second application, in respect of 19 animals, was received on 21 May 2004; and the third application, in respect of eight animals, was received on 20 December 2004. The 60% advance payments in respect of the first and second applications issued on 19 October 2004, and in respect of the third application on 23 March 2005.

Under EU regulations governing the 2004 special beef premium scheme, a stocking density limit of 1.8 livestock units per hectare applied, based on the forage area declared on an applicant's area aid application. The 2004 area aid application of the person named declared a forage area of 15.23 hectares, which gave an entitlement to 27.41 livestock units.

Of the 32 animals in question, ten were each deemed to represent 0.6 livestock units, while the remaining 22 animals were each deemed to represent one livestock unit, equating with a total livestock unit value of 28 livestock units. However, payment of premium was restricted to 27.41 premium rights, the maximum payable based on the forage area declared.

Following my decision to estimate the extent of the quota overshoot for the 2004 scheme, interim balancing payments issued on 21 April 2005, in respect of 27.41 animals. Once the definitive position regarding the extent of the quota overshoot has been established, any residual payments due will issue.

Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 246: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a decision with regard to the beef premium for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick has been reviewed. [16083/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The person named submitted three applications under the 2004 special beef premium scheme, in respect of a total of 43 animals. The first application, in respect of two animals, was received on 27 January 2004. The second application, in respect of 38 animals, was received on 2 November 2004. The third application, in respect of three animals, was received on 2 December 2004. Following computer validation, 34 of the animals included on the second application and two of the animals included on the third application were identified as not being registered as in the herd of the person named on the date of application, as required under the terms and conditions of the scheme. However, following correspondence with the person named, the matter has been satisfactorily resolved. Payments — both advance and interim balance — in respect of the three applications will issue shortly to the person named.