Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2004
30 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when he expects to be in a position to issue provisional single farm payment entitlements to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14724/04]
View answerMy Department began the task of setting up an entitlements database under the single payment scheme late last year. However, much of the work could not be progressed until the European Commission detailed rules regulation was published. This regulation was published recently and my Department is continuing the work of establishing payment entitlements in respect of every farmer who was actively farming and who received livestock premia and-or arable aid during the reference period. In addition, work is well under way on the processing of the 15,000force majeure applications, which were received earlier this year and decisions are being communicated to farmers on an ongoing basis.
Unsuccessful applicants have the right to appeal to the appeals committee, which I have already established. Farmers who wish to be treated as new entrants during the reference period or who have inherited holdings must also be identified over the coming weeks. Each successful force majeure-new entrant case will have an impact on the national ceiling for Ireland.
It is my intention to issue provisional entitlements under the single payment scheme to the vast bulk of farmers within the next few months. It should be noted, however, that provisional entitlements may be subject to amendment later this year when all force majeure-new entrants and query cases are finally resolved. The intention is that all farmers will then be issued with a statement of definitive entitlements early in 2005.
31 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will allow farmers who applied for REP scheme two over the past few months and who have not yet been paid, some flexibility in applying for REP scheme III; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14730/04]
View answerMy officials have confirmed with their counterparts in the Commission that when the revised scheme is introduced, all farmers with a start date or anniversary date after 1 March 2004 will be in a position to benefit from it. Consequently, all such farmers will be given an opportunity to take on new five-year contracts under which they can avail of the improved payment rates and other aspects of the new scheme.
