Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 February 2008
138 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be granted their sheep premium; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7312/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn application under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 25 April 2007. The application was fully processed and payment in full issued in respect of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme on 19 September 2007. In relation of the Single Payment Scheme, the advance payment issued on 16 October 2007 and the balancing payment issued on 3 December 2007. In addition, following the recent positive decision in relation to the application of the person named for additional Single Payment from the National Reserve under Category C, a further payment will shortly issue to the person named.
139 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will put in place the necessary procedures to facilitate early payments under the REP scheme or other schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7334/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraI had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels on Monday last about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts. I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payments for valid outstanding claims are now beginning to issue.
Payments to REPS 4 farmers under contracts which commenced in 2007 are now issuing. My officials are in discussion with the European Commission on the payment arrangement to apply to REPS 4 contracts commencing in 2008 and I expect the matter to be clarified shortly.
