asked the Minister for Agriculture the reason for the delay in paying a farm modernisation grant to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and when payment will be issued.

The local office of the Department have been notified only recently that work has been completed. A final inspection will now be carried out and if the work is satisfactorily completed the grant will be paid without delay.

846.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will arrange to pay a sheep grant to a person (details supplied) in County Cork.

The maximum number of livestock units on which an applicant could be paid under the 1981 cattle and sheep headage schemes in the disadvantaged areas was 30. The person named was paid on 30 livestock units under the 1981 cattle headage scheme. Since it would be more favourable for him, however, to be paid on his sheep livestock units first, an adjustment is being made on this basis and a supplementary payment will issue to him shortly.

847.

asked the Minister for Agriculture when a sheep subsidy will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.

The person named will be paid the 1981 sheep headage grant and the 1981-82 EEC premium for good quality ewes shortly.

848.

asked the Minister for Agriculture when a suckler cow grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.

The person named will be paid his 1981 EEC suckler cow premium shortly.

849.

asked the Minister for Agriculture when a sheep subsidy and ewe premium will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal.

The person named was paid under the 1981-82 EEC scheme of premiums for good quality ewes on 13 September 1981. With regard to his sheep subsidy under the disadvantaged areas schemes, the maximum number of livestock units on which an applicant could be paid under the 1981 cattle and sheep headage scheme was 30. The person named was paid on 30 livestock units under the 1981 cattle headage scheme. Since it would be more favourable for him, however, to be paid on his sheep livestock units first, an adjustment is being made and a supplementary payment will issue to him shortly.

850.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if a grant is available for a milking machine, even when a farmer does not seek a grant for building purposes.

Grant aid is available to eligible applicants under the farm modernisation scheme for a milking machine provided it is listed on the farm plan and that the building in which it is proposed to locate it is suitable.