Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2024
563. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when an ECO and hardship payment will issue to a person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29105/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the Eco-Scheme payment for this herd and in particular the 30% balancing payment.
As you may be aware there was a change to this herd number that resulted in delays to the Eco-Scheme payment including the balancing payment. These issues have now been resolved and I have been informed that this herd will receive the balancing payment in the next balancing run which is due week commencing 15th July 2024.
The main criteria for the Hardship Grant compensation scheme under the Bovine TB Eradication programme is that the herd has more animals on the same date as in the previous year during the November to April period. This is to assist herdowners who find themselves having to maintain additional animals in this period as a result of TB restriction. The herd in question was eligible for one month of Hardship Grant.
This payment issued to the herdowner on 20th March 2024. For the remainder of the Hardship Grant Season the herd had less animals than the previous year and so was ineligible for the Hardship Grant.
