Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
1322. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if all payments under the rural development programme will be paid on time in view of the severe difficulties facing farmers due to current adverse weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37718/17]
View answerHaving seen the situation first-hand, I am acutely aware of the difficulties faced by some farmers as a result of recent weather conditions. That is why last week, with the agreement of my Cabinet colleagues, I introduced a national stand-alone measure to support affected farmers in the Donegal area given the specific circumstances applying there. This measure will make available a financial contribution to cover losses or damage sustained due to flooding. Support under the measure will apply to losses of livestock, the loss of conserved fodder (hay or silage) and as a contribution towards the clean-up cost of agricultural lands, including repair to fences, damaged by debris washed up by the floods. Only losses not covered by insurance will be eligible for consideration. The measure builds on the availability of support through the Animal Welfare Helpline and through the advisory assistance made available by Teagasc in the region.
No payments in respect of these losses are being made under the Rural Development Programme. However, I can assure farmers whose land has been flooded and who are concerned about possible consequences in terms of eligibility for payments that a practical approach will be taken in terms of dealing with people who have been victims of these events which were completely outside of their control. One early example of this is that I have approved an extension to the deadline for planting catch crops under the GLAS scheme given the delayed harvest in some areas. My Department is actively working towards making timely payments under the RDP schemes in line with regulatory requirements and subject to all administrative and other checks being cleared.
