Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
469. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the outstanding issue of delayed payments to the basic income support for sustainability and areas of natural constraints schemes; what progress his Department has made in ensuring these payments are made on time, given how critical the timely payment of these supports are to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32798/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new CAP 2023-2027 has commenced this year and payments will issue in the fourth quarter of the year across a very broad range of schemes. With this being the first year of the new CAP Strategic Plan, a whole range of new schemes are being introduced along with substantial changes to existing schemes, over a relatively short time period.
I am fully committed to making payments to farmers under the various schemes at the earliest date possible and to the maximum number of farmers possible. I know first hand the critical importance of these payments to all farmers. This commitment to farmers is evidenced in the very high payment rates achieved across all schemes over the last number of years in both EU and Exchequer funded schemes.
Almost €1.8bn will be paid to farmers across the country for 2023 schemes. At EU level, Ireland ranks amongst the most efficient Member States in getting payments to farmers expediently and in line with the legal requirements of relevant attendant EU Regulation, and will continue to do so.
Again, I am committed to ensuring the quickest possible issuing of payments to all our farmers.
