Joe Callanan
Ceist:131 Mr. Callanan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the new single payment, under the decoupling measure, will be made to farmers; and the amount of payment overall to Ireland. [19962/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 6 July 2004
Ceisteanna (99, 100, 101)
Willie Penrose
Ceist:142 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention was drawn to complaints from farmers representatives that they will receive the new EU single payment for 2005 at the end of that year; and if he is aware that it may come too late for farmers. [20093/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Pat Breen
Ceist:148 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food when the new single farm payment will be made. [20172/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131, 142 and 148 together.
The national ceiling for Ireland under the new single payment, provided for in European Council Regulation 1782/2004 is €1.322 billion and includes the dairy premium. Arrangements for the implementation of the new payment are being put in place with a view to ensuring that the new system becomes operational with effect from 1 January 2005. The EU regulations governing the scheme provide for payment to be made between 1 December of the year of application and 30 June of the following year. Some concern was expressed about payments being made towards the end of the year when farmers are accustomed to payments being made in two tranches under the existing schemes.
There are, however, advantages for farmers in getting their payment in a single instalment. It is important that the new arrangements operate effectively and smoothly in 2005.