asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when payment of a farm modernisation grant which has been approved by his Department's inspector will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford.

A claim under the farm improvement programme for payment of a grant of £1,571 has been received and will be paid as soon as practicable. All claims under the programme are dealt with directly in order of receipt. Due to existing budgetary constraints there is some delay in making grant payments.