Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1288. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine how many farmers are awaiting ACRES co-operation payments; the date farmers awaiting payment under ACRES co-operation scheme will be paid on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1859/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra1296. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the up to date position regarding the issue of payments under ACRES; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2095/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1288 and 1296 together.
As the deputies are aware there was unprecedented demand for ACRES applications at the opening of the Scheme in late 2022, with now just under 46,000 participants actively involved. This is a reflection of the interest amongst farmers in taking on actions to address climate, biodiversity, and environmental issues.
However, the decision to accept all applicants into Tranche 1 of ACRES put significant pressure on the ability to pay all eligible participants in December of last year (2023).
I want to reiterate that my department is continuing to work to expedite payments, and that all unpaid cases continue to be progressed. Payments will begin to issue in February 2024 to 18,416 active ACRES Co-operation Project participants who clear all pre-payment checks.
Those ACRES General stream participants who did not receive a payment in December 2023 will continue to be processed through pre-payment checks and will be added to pay runs as all checks are cleared.
I fully appreciate the frustration felt by farmers experiencing payment delays and their concern regarding uncertainty of payments and I want to reassure you that everything is being done to pay all ACRES applicants who clear pre-payment checks as a matter of priority.
