Vol. 474 No. 4
59 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the way in which his Department's performance measures up to his commitments given in the Charter of Farmers' Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3039/97]
69 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the measures, if any, he will introduce to ensure that payments of moneys due to farmers from EU aid schemes are made on time and are in accordance with his Charter of Farmers' Rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3086/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 69 together.
The charter of rights for farmers which I introduced four months after taking office as Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry is a clear commitment by me, by my colleague the Minister of State, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, and by the staff of my Department to a quality, user-friendly service. I am satisfied that the charter is working well and that the farming community welcomes the improved service it is receiving.
The charter envisaged a programme of substantially improved services to farmers. The payment targets set for 1995 and 1996 have been largely met and in some cases exceeded. Record direct payments in excess of £900 million were made to farmers in 1996. This was an increase of over 20 per cent on 1995 payments which were themselves a record. Significant progress has been made on improving office accommodation in all our offices in line with the commitment to providing confidential office consultations for farmers and better accommodation for staff. In this context work commenced late last year on a £4 million extension and refurbishment to our offices in Castlebar and new local offices are being built in a number of counties. I was also pleased to announce the placing of the contract for the construction of new decentralised offices for the Department at Johnstown Castle, County Wexford. In addition an improved telephone system is being installed in our local offices.
