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Single Payment Scheme Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012

Tuesday, 6 November 2012

Questions (853)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

853. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers awaiting the advance single farm payment on the 22 October 2012; the reason for the delay in processing these payments; the steps taken by him to resolve the issue speedily in view of the financial hardship caused to farmers as a result of the delay; when he expects the backlog to be cleared up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47340/12]

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Written answers

In the case of the Single Farm Payment, the earliest payment date under the governing EU rules is 1 December. However, earlier this year, in recognition of the difficult financial situation faced by many farmers, I successfully sought the approval of the Commissioner to have advance payments made as and from 16 October. Payment of the 50% to farmers under the Single Farm Payment Scheme started issuing on cases cleared for payment, as scheduled, on 16 October. Since that date, about 115,000 applicants have been paid some €579M. Currently, the number of farmers awaiting payment of the advance of the Single Farm Payment is 7,665 or 6.24% of applicants. Advance payments will continue to be made as cases are cleared, twice weekly, on an on-going basis. Balancing payments will commence as provided for under EU legislation from 1st December.

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