242 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when he will make a decision in relation to payment of the REP scheme to farmers who have rented commonage. [10551/97]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to an earlier question on this subject, Question No. 148 of 17 April 1997.

243 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when a hardship grant will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10575/97]

A payment of £400 in respect of hardship grant for the period 30 January 1997 to 29 March 1997 has been processed by the local district veterinary office. Payment should issue to the herdowner in question shortly.

The eligibility period for the hardship grant scheme is between 1 November and 30 April. The position in relation to further entitlement to hardship grant payment after 29 March 1997 will be assessed by the local district veterinary office and the herdowner in question will be notified accordingly.

247 Mr. Crowley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will reconsider a decision to refuse a 1995 cattle headage premium to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [10648/97]

I understand that the person named was living abroad in 1995 and as a result he did not comply with clause 9 of the terms and conditions of the 1995 cattle headage scheme. This requires that the herdowners ‘...reside in or within daily commuting distance of a designated area in which their land is situated', and accordingly, he is not eligible to qualify for any grants under this scheme.