Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 859: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the 8,000 sheep farming applicants who have applied under the national reserve; when those cases will be processed in order that payment can issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1840/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As outlined in my recent press statement a special category was included under the 2007 National Reserve for sheep farmers whose existing Single Payment is less than €6,000 and where individual entitlements are less than the District Electoral Division average. Allocations will be capped at the District Electoral Division average value of entitlements or a total Single Payment of €6,000 whichever is the lesser and allocations to successful applicants will not exceed €1,000. It is estimated that the measure will be worth over €6 million annually or €42 million over the next seven years. In order to ensure that the maximum number of eligible sheep farmers would benefit from this measure, my Department had sent application forms to sheep farmers who, according to Department records, might qualify under the measure. This has resulted in the receipt of some 9,000 completed application forms. Allocations to successful applicants have commenced this week and will continue over the coming weeks. Payments will follow shortly after allocations have been made. Applicants who are dissatisfied with my Department's decision on their application may appeal that decision to the Single Payment Independent Appeals Committee.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 860: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted the installation aid grant. [1841/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned is an applicant for aid under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. Her application for payment is being examined within my Department and the outcome will be notified to the person concerned as soon as possible.