Vol. 467 No. 2
149 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the current status of an application for an installation grant by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and when this grant will be paid. [12953/96]
The application is being processed and if everything is found to be in order payment will issue shortly.
150 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry when supplementary payments will be paid as part of the December 1995 sheep package. [12987/96]
The EU budgetary allocation for the top-up ewe premium to Irish sheep producers in the non-disadvantaged areas, agreed at the December 1995 meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers, has been provided. Payment of the premium, however requires the preparation of specific legislation by the EU Commission. The Commission has submitted a proposal to the Council for a regulation to implement this agreement but the proposal cannot be adopted until the European Parliament delivers its opinion, which is not now expected until July. I would hope that the Council will adopt the proposal as soon as possible after the opinion of the European Parliament has been delivered. Payment will then be made as quickly as possible.
