Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
1090 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in County Kerry who received direct farm payments and the amount provided in total; the number of outstanding payments to Kerry farmers still to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18118/12]
View answerIn the calendar year 2011 payments totalling €116,895,082 were made to 8,682 farmers/forestry owners in Co Kerry covering both direct and indirect farm payments. There are currently 45 outstanding payments to farmers in Co Kerry in respect of forestry schemes, 91 files continuing to be processed and they will be brought to payment stage as soon as possible under the Rural Environment Protection Scheme 4 (REPS 4) and with the Organic Farmers Scheme 36 participants from Kerry are awaiting payment. Under the EU Regulations governing the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue. At this time there are 208 applicants awaiting payment for 2011.
