asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when a grant under the Farm Buildings Scheme will be paid to a person (name supplied) in County Monaghan.

The work authorised for grant purposes in this case was not completed at the time of a recent inspection. If the applicant notifies the local farm buildings officer when the work is completed, a further inspection will be made with a view to grant payment.

60.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries when a grant under the Farm Buildings Scheme will be paid to a person (name supplied) in County Kerry.

The person in question applied for grants for two buildings and was duly authorised to proceed with them, but neither building has been completed and no grant is yet due for payment.

This applicant's father, as the previous rated occupier of the same holding, had applied for grants in respect of a dairy and milking-parlour, a silo and yard concreting. A grant for the yard was paid on the 26th March last and a grant will shortly be paid for the silo which was certified as completed on the 13th May. The dairy and milking-parlour unit has not yet been fully completed for grant payment.

61.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the reason for the delay in paying various grants under the farm building scheme; and what steps are being taken to ensure that such payments are made with the least possible delay.

I do not accept the suggestion that there is delay in paying farm buildings scheme grants. In every case where the work authorised is found to be completed to the required standard, the appropriate grant is paid as quickly as possible.