asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will pay a grant for a hay shed to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny as work was completed on 8 December 1987.

A claim under the farm improvement programme for payment of a grant has been received and will be paid as soon as practicable. All claims under the programme are dealt with strictly in order of receipt. Payments are being phased in such a way as to ensure adherence to the amount provided in the Vote. Consequently, there is some delay in making grant payments.