Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1374. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine the support he will provide to farmers whose land and profits are affected by continuous poor weather conditions; if a full payment of disadvantage area payments will be made in September; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37664/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully aware of the impact of the very difficult weather conditions of recent weeks on farmers and of the potential impact on farm incomes. For that reason, I sought and received EU approval for the advance payment of the 2012 Single Payment Scheme. This will enable payment to issue immediately following 15 October and will represent the early payment of some €600 million to farmers.
I also fully appreciate the value and importance of the other scheme payments to farmers and I remain committed to ensuring that the maximum numbers are paid at the earliest possible date, mindful, of course, of the over-riding necessity to ensure compliance with the governing EU requirements. Payments under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme (DAS) will be made in September. REPS payments in respect of 2011 are up to date and AEOS payments are well advanced and continue to issue as quickly as possible. My intention is to ensure that payments in respect of 2012 which are due later in the year are brought forward to the earliest possible date.
