asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Clare who has fulfilled all the necessary conditions, has qualified for farm installation aid; and if so, when payment of same will issue.

The processing of the application in this case has been completed and the applicant has been deemed eligible to participate in the scheme. Payment of the premium will be made as soon as practicable and I will inform the Deputy at the appropriate time.

All premia are paid strictly in the order in which eligibility is established. 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 payment of the premia.

80.

asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the average delay in payment of grants approved under the farm improvement programme.

Payment of grants under the farm improvement programme is being phased in such a way so as to ensure adherence to the amount provided in the Vote. At present this entails a delay of approximately six to seven months. All claims received under the programme are dealt with strictly in order of receipt.