asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of applications to date which have been received from small cereal producers for refunds of the co-responsibility levy.

Approximately 8,000 applications.

How much has been allocated in full? How much was eligible for refund and how much actually refunded? Would the Minister consider that this was a cost-effective exercise in 1986?

Ireland's allocation for aid for 1986-1987 was £1.16 million. We estimate that from 15,000 to 20,000 people would be qualified for aid. For that reason when less than half those submitted applications for aid I instructed my Department to re-advertise. Deputies will appreciate that there must be an end to that campaign. I hope we will get some further applications which will enable us to allocate all the funds available.

Is there a limit on the amount to be refunded?

Yes, the figure in our case is £1.16 million.

Is there a limit on individuals?

Yes. Ireland's allocation will be distributed to applicants who paid co-responsibility levy of not less than £20 and had not more than 100 acres under cereals in 1986. There is no fixed limit except in relation to the figure I mentioned. It is my intention to distribute all of the funds and that will depend on the total number of applicants.