Vol. 476 No. 3
165 Mr. J. Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the improvements, if any, which were made during 1996 in the payment schedules and quality of service laid down in the Farmers' Charter of Rights; and the improvements, if any, he will deliver in 1997. [7063/97]
When I took up office over two years ago a priority was to improve the quality of service provided by my Department. The charter of rights launched four months later was a clear expression of my commitment to that goal. Since the launch of the charter, farmers have a commitment in relation to the level of service they can expect from the Department, including the timely delivery of payments.
As regards the payment schedules in respect of the various schemes administered by the Department, the targets for 1996 were by and large met. Payments under the 1996 schemes commenced on time and by the end of the year over £900 million in direct payment had been made. This was an increase of some 20 per cent on the 1995 figures which were also a record. However, in relation to some schemes, arable aid and compensatory headage payments in particular, all the payment deadlines could not be met in 1996. The delays incurred in 1996 arose from two exceptional factors. Firstly, as a result of industrial action in the Department earlier in 1996, the commencement of processing of area aid applications was delayed by a number of weeks. Secondly, as part of the integrated administration and control system which is required by the EU in relation to all CAP compensatory and headage payments, Ireland was required to develop a new land parcel identification system (LPIS) in 1996. Given the increased level of checks and controls associated with the LPIS, it was inevitable that some delay in making payment, when measured against the 1995 performance, would arise.
I am confident that my Department can meet the various payment targets set out in the farmers' charter under the 1997 schemes, thereby improving on the 1996 performance.
As part of my Department's ongoing strategy, set out in the charter, to ensure that farmers are fully aware of their entitlements and to improve the quality of services to them, I have recently launched a new explanatory guide to ewe premium and suckler cow quotas. I am also introducing, with effect from 1997, a new service for producers wishing to trade quota rights. The new service, which is being provided free by my Department, will facilitate the mutual exchange of information between producers who wish to trade quota rights by making it easier for farmers who have quota to sell or lease to find a buyer or lessee.
Significant progress has been made on improving facilities in our offices to provide confidential consultations for farmers and better accommodation for staff. 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 earlier this year 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 local offices which will allow easier and cheaper access by farmers to all the Department's services.
