Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 404: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a hardship grant has not been awarded in view of the fact that reactors were found in a herd belonging to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3435/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Hardship Grant Scheme 2008/2009 is aimed at assisting eligible owner/keepers(s) whose herds continue to be restricted during the period 1 November to 20 April following a reactor re-test. Payment is also subject to compliance with other terms and conditions of the scheme, including those relating to off-farm income, buying-in of cattle etc.

In the case of the person concerned, the holding was restricted on 18 September 2008, following which one animal was removed and valued under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme. An application under the Hardship Grant Scheme was received by my Department on 28 October 2008 but, since the full herd reactor re-test was not carried out until 16 January 2009, eligibility of the herdowner for payment could not be considered before that date. His eligibility will now be assessed and, if he is found to be in compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme, payment will issue shortly after 16 February, in accordance with normal practice.