Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2016
261. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to account for the latest reports stating that only 53% of young farmers have been paid under the basic payment scheme to date; when outstanding payments will be paid; the steps he is taking to expedite payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2331/16]
View answerPayments under the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme commenced in mid-December 2015 and, and given the number of applications and their complexity, these payments will continue over the coming weeks. To date some 60% of eligible applicants under both the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme have received payment.
My Department will continue to prioritise the payment of eligible cases under the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme to ensure that payment is made as soon as it practicable. Where my Department has contacted an applicant seeking further information or documentation to further process their application, I would encourage these applicants to engage with my Department to ensure that their application can be finalised.
