Vol. 542 No. 5
118 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development when it is intended to establish the independent agency to administer FEOGA and other payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25115/01]
As part of a general reorganisation my Department's FEOGA operations have been brought together into two functional units, direct payments and market supports, forming one group, the agriculture payments group, which is dedicated to and accountable for the efficient delivery of agriculture payments. Work practices and control procedures have been strengthened with the support of modern IT systems and best practice in auditing and control. Most of the required restructuring in terms of staff deployment and reporting arrangements have been completed. The group will ensure focused and cost effective management of the funds in question, reconciling the need to provide a quality service to clients and rigorous accountability for the funds under its control. I believe that significant improvements have been achieved in the delivery of FEOGA payments.
The process of reorganising the Department is on-going in the light of changing demands and the evolution of agricultural policies at EU and national level. I will continue to review what further structural framework, if any, would be required, in the context of the substantial organisational changes already made, to ensure that my commitment to the delivery of the most efficient, effective and accountable FEOGA payments service is honoured.
