Grassland Sheep Scheme Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 May 2014

Thursday, 1 May 2014

Questions (159)

Michael Lowry

Question:

159. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the next payment will issue for those on the grassland sheep scheme; the reasons for the delay in payments being issued to farmers cleared for payment; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship this is causing to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19799/14]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Payments under the 2013 Grassland Sheep Scheme commenced in December 2013 and, to date, payments worth €12,798,476 have issued nationally, to some 29,039 applicants, with payments continuing to issue as individual cases are confirmed eligible. An amount of €15 million in total is being incorporated into the Single Payment for sheep farmers under the new CAP.