asked the Minister for Agriculture the date on which inspections in relation to cattle headage payments were carried out on herds in County Kerry; and the reason for the delay by his Department in this matter.

While there was some delay in commencing inspections, there was no delay in their completion as the full round of inspections under the 1980 cattle headage scheme in County Kerry was completed by 30 November the same date as in the previous year. More payments arising from the inspections were made before 31 December in 1980 than in the previous year.

Is the Minister aware that many farmers, particularly in the Dingle and the Iveragh peninsulas, had to sell their cattle because they were afraid they would not have fodder for the winter? Would the Minister ensure that these inspections, particularly in the western area, will take place in September, rather than late November, as mentioned in his reply?

As the Deputy is aware, there were increased staff numbers in the western areas to deal with very large numbers of applications being submitted under the various schemes which are now available under the auspices of my Department. He will, of course, appreciate that in County Kerry the total number of applications under this scheme is virtually 7,000. From his own experience, he will probably realise the implication of suggesting that these applications could be completed in one month. With the best will in the world, that is not possible. We will do everything we can to process these applications as quickly as possible. On a year to year basis it is quite clear that we have been making substantial progress, in that practically 6,000 of the 7,000 applications were completed by the end of November.

Would the Minister give an assurance to the House that this delay will never again take place? Many farmers lost thousands of pounds because they could not hold on to their cattle until 1 December.

I explained to the Deputy in reasonable detail——

The Minister did not give an assurance.

——that progress has been made. The fact is that there is no delay.

A reading of heads of cattle on 1 December, for goodness sake.

The Deputy could not expect all these applicants' herds to be inspected on the one day.

Employ more men.

19.