asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if farmers will receive full FEOGA guarantee payments for the year 1987; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - FEOGA Guarantee Payments.
39.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the possibility that FEOGA guarantee funds provided for this year will be inadequate. This is a matter on which Commission proposals have still to be fully considered and settled by the Council of Ministers. In the current negotiations I am pressing for continuity of payments throughout 1987 and for full recoupment of any interest costs incurred by member states due to any delay in FEOGA payments.
Have any positive proposals been made by this Government at the EC Council of Ministers in relation to overcoming the shortfall? In 1984 when there was a shortfall we proposed the introduction of an intergovernmental agreement so that the various payments could be assured under the FEOGA guarantees.
I can assure the Deputy that the matter is being considered at present.