asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that there is still a delay in the payment of calved heifer subsidy in County Meath; and if he will have payment expedited.

I cannot agree that there is any undue delay in the payment of grants on calved heifers in County Meath. Payment has been made in respect of 94 per cent of all heifers accepted in the county which is the average for the country as a whole.

Is the Minister aware that there is grave complaint about delay in Kildare and I think there is a question down by me tomorrow in that respect?

This particular question deals with County Meath. In fact, County Meath is exactly in line with the average for the country as a whole. We will deal with County Kildare if the Deputy puts down a question.

He has. Here it is. I thought it was not coming up until tomorrow.

58.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries why he has not paid the holder of herd number 55419 the grant of £195 to which he was certified as being entitled on 6th September 1965.

This grant has been paid.

Would the Minister explain to the House why he failed to pay it until the question went down last Friday?

Actually, the payment of the grant and the putting down of the question were in no way connected. The delay in paying this grant was due to an exceptionally large volume of Departmental payments arising because of the popularity of the scheme.

Question No. 59 postponed.