Vol. 420 No. 5
6 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the total amount due to food exporters in outstanding export refund payments; the average waiting time for such repayments; if his attention has been drawn to the concern expressed by some exporters regarding the delays; if he intends to take any steps to ensure that payments are made more promptly; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware of the concern expressed by some exporters about alleged delays in the payment of export refunds. I take this opportunity to assure the House that the necessary steps are taken to ensure that properly documented claims are paid promptly. It is important to recognise that the export refund system is a complex one. Entitlement to payment may not be solely dependent on the exportation of eligible products from the Community but also in many cases on submission of transport documentation and on proof of importation into a non-EC country.
The total amount currently outstanding in export refund payments in respect of fully and accurately completed and properly documented claims is some £5 million. The average waiting time for payment of such claims is two to three weeks.
The Minister mentioned some of the complications that have arisen, which necessitated delays. Were any of these delays caused by the country to which the meat was exported not qualifying under this scheme?
That has not been the case. The reasons for the delays, I have been advised, were inaccurately completed documentation by the exporter, incomplete documentation in relation to transhipment requirements, entries on documentation on query with the customs authorities, export operations concerned under investigation by the customs authorities and or by the Department, and inadequate resources within the Department.
In this £5 million was there any figure which has been questioned in another place?
Let us not talk about other places.
It is relevant and it relates to public money.
Let us not talk about other places.
Is there a part of this figure that has been questioned?
Question No. 7 please.
