asked the Minister for Agriculture if late applications for the cattle headage and cow suckler scheme grants for the 1981 season can be entertained; and the number of late applications received in his Department for both schemes.

To avoid duplication of inspections, a common closing date of 10 July 1981 was fixed for the EEC suckler cow premium scheme and for the cattle headage and beef cow schemes in the disadvantaged areas. Subsequently, with the agreement of the EEC, the closing date for the Suckler Cow Scheme was extended first to 11 August and then to 15 October. Similar extensions were granted in the case of the Disadvantaged areas Schemes. Even though the original closing date and the two extensions were widely advertised, 297 applications under the suckler cow scheme and 35 applications under the Disadvantaged Areas Schemes were received after the final closing date. In view of the extensions already authorised and as an absolute limit is laid down in an EEC regulation, I regret that a further extension cannot be allowed.

Would the Minister repeat the number of late applications for the cattle headage grants?

There were 297 applications under the Suckler Cow Scheme and 35 applications under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme which were received after the final closing date.

In view of the fact that only about 350 applications were late, would the Minister entertain the 350 because some of these people did not understand that the closing date had passed?

Would the Deputy not agree that there were already two extensions for both schemes and still people were late in applying? Unfortunately, I could not extend if any further.

28.