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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 3

Written Answers. - Grant Payments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

140 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if all payments under the various schemes available to farmers are up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9955/00]

The service delivery target dates as set out in the Quality Service Action Plan 1998-2000 for the main direct payment and market support schemes, including the headage and premium schemes, the suckler cow premium scheme, the special beef premium scheme, the extensification premium scheme and beef export refunds, are being met. Some backlogs exist at present in the processing of applications under the rural environment protection scheme and the scheme of early retirement from farming.

While every effort is made to minimise delays, it must be emphasised that when delays do take place they do not result in financial loss to partici pants in these schemes. Participants in REPS submit a plan and, if the plan is approved, they are paid for five years following approval. Processing delays does not result in any diminution of the payment period. Successful applicants for the early retirement scheme receive their pension with effect from the date on which a valid application, including all necessary supporting documentation, is received and allowance is made, in calculating that date, for any delay in processing which is outside the control of the applicant.
I am fully committed to providing an acceptable level of service to clients. At the same time, we must be conscious of the need to maintain a level of control which will guard against errors and abuses in the operation of the various schemes for which I am responsible. Procedures and the deployment of human resources are kept under constant review with a view to meeting both objectives to the greatest extent possible.
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