Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2016
505. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will examine the introduction of a system whereby every farmer would get 70% of the basic payment scheme payment due on the payment date and, if there is a penalty, this would be deducted from the remaining 30% of the balance due; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36107/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAdvance payments under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) commenced in Ireland on 17 October 2016 in respect of applicants whose applications are fully processed and who have no outstanding errors. This is the earliest that payments can commence under the governing EU Regulations.
To date payments in excess of €785m have issued to over 119,400 applicants. Regular payment runs are being made in respect of all applicants whose applications are fully processed and who have no outstanding errors.
The processing of applications under the Basic Payment Scheme is a complex administrative task and one that remains a top priority for my Department. The scheme is fully funded by the European Union and the relevant Competent Authorities in each Member State are obliged to ensure that the requirements of the governing EU Regulations are observed and that only valid applications that fully comply with the requirements are paid. The administration of the scheme in each Member State is subjected to close scrutiny by officials of the EU Commission and the EU Court of Auditors to ensure that the regulatory requirements are met and that the Schemes are applied in a uniform manner across the European Union.
All applications under the Scheme are subject to administrative checks, with a further 5% also subject to land eligibility inspections in compliance with EU legislation.
Where issues preventing payment are identified contact is immediately made with the applicant concerned in order to resolve the query. Work is well underway in resolving the queries that have arisen following these checks and farmers are being contacted as necessary.
I am keenly aware that the advance payment of the BPS is a vital support to farmers across sectors in maximising cash flow and my Department will continue to prioritise the processing of all outstanding cases.
