Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 October 2011
34 Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he intends to streamline the process of grants payments to avoid delays to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27914/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a number of grants and scheme payments for farmers. Funding for these schemes is provided by the Exchequer, the EU or a combination of both and all expenditure must be carried out in an appropriate manner that adheres to the principles of value for money and compliance with the regulatory requirements.
Area-based schemes under the Rural Development Programme, 2007-13, in particular, are subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications, including cross checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, to be completed before payments can issue. These rigorous procedures, including on-farm inspections, apply to payments under the Single Payment Scheme, the Disadvantaged areas, the Rural Environment protection Scheme (REPS) and the Agri-environment Options Scheme (AEOS), to ensure that applications meet the scheme conditions and cross-compliance requirements.
I am, of course, conscious of the financial pressures on many farm families and of the importance of grant and scheme payments to their incomes and cash-flow. I have given the highest priority to the processing and payment of all scheme payments and to the elimination of all unnecessary delays. Payments under DAS and AEOS commenced in recent weeks and will continue as queries are resolved. I can also confirm that very substantial payments will issue between now and year end under the Single Payment Scheme and REPS. Grants payments in respect of on-farm investments are dependent on the completion of the project concerned and submission of a valid, documented claim. I am also committed to ensuring that all such claims are processed and paid without delay.
