Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016
783. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has secured agreement from the European Commission to have an advance payment of 70% of the basic payment scheme by mid-October 2016 in view of the income difficulties facing farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22849/16]
View answerI am particularly aware of the income difficulties facing farmers this year. Accordingly, I have been engaging with my colleagues in other Member States and also with Commissioner Hogan in order to ensure a coherent response is put in place. Following on from this process, Commissioner Hogan has announced a new package which includes provision for 70% advance payment under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in October 2016. Under European Union legislation governing the implementation of the BPS, the earliest date on which advance payments may be made, in respect of fully processed and clear applications, is 16 October of this year. The implementation of the 70% advance for BPS will provide further relief to farmers experiencing financial challenges.
