Written answers

Tuesday, 25 September 2012

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Single Payment Scheme Payments

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received submissions from the Irish Farmers' Association and other farming organisations requesting earlier payment of all farm supports in view of the difficulties faced by the farming community arising from inclement weather conditions; the extent to which he has or expects to be in a position to respond positively; if he is satisfied regarding the availability of sufficient winter feed throughout the winter; if he will consider approaching the banking sector with a view to achieving a more lenient and understanding approach in the current situation in view of both the climatic and economic condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40386/12]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has had any discussions with the banking sector with a view to addressing issues arising from the extremely inclement weather conditions during the summer such as animal feed shortages and/or inadequate banking support arising from weather and economic factors; if he has received submissions from farming representatives in this regard; the extent to which he expects to be in a position to positively influence the banking sector with a view to meeting the financial accommodation requirements of farmers throughout the winter months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40642/12]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent he has engaged with farm organisations and the banking sector with a view to alleviating any difficulties arising from inclement weather conditions throughout the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40649/12]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 74, 369 and 376 together.

Following the bad weather this summer, I sought EU approval for the advance payment of the 2012 Single Payment. This was approved and will enable payment to issue immediately following 16 October and will represent early payment of €600 million to farmers.

Also I appreciate fully 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 worth some €154 under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme will begin tomorrow, 26th September. This funding will provide a boost to the rural economy and will benefit all areas of the country. REPS payments in respect of 2011 are up to date. A total of €64 million has been paid out to-date and i envisage that by the end 2012 a further €121 million will be spent. AEOS payments are well advanced and continue to issue as quickly as possible. My intention is to ensure that payments in respect of 2012 are paid on the earliest possible date.

Teagasc have been very active in providing advice & assistance for farmers affected by the bad weather. All Teagasc offices are taking calls from concerned farmers. A series of public meetings are being held across the country in September to address fodder / financial and social aspects of the weather crisis. Weather clinics were held in all Teagasc offices recently.

I am very aware of the difficult situation with regard to winter fodder this year. A survey conducted by Teagasc identified a shortage on many farms, particularly dairy farms and also highlighted that addressing this would require different approaches on each farm. I am delighted that a number of workshops have been conducted by Teagasc where farmers could discuss with an advisor the best solution for their own circumstances.

In addition, I approached Minister Hogan who is responsible for the Nitrates regulations and agreed extensions to the period allowed for spreading of both chemical and organic fertilisers this Autumn to 30 September and 31 October respectively. This is aimed at maximising the opportunity for a farmer to extend the grazing season this Autumn and reduce the winter feed requirement.

My officials are in regular contact with the banking sector with a view to discussing the credit needs of the sector. I am also pleased that a number of banks have recently announced new lending programmes for farmers that take account of the specific needs of the sector. The banks have also attended a number of recent workshops and conferences and are engaging with academics with a view to improving financial training in the sector. I am fully aware that credit is severely limited due to the current global economic situation and my officials will continue to engage with all relevant parties to ensure that adequate credit is made available for the sector.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who receive more than €1,000 per hectare under the single farm payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40438/12]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The number of farmers in receipt of payments of over €1,000 per ha under the 2011 Single Payment Scheme was 620.

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