Mr. Phil Hogan:

A total of 99% of them are paid. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is doing an excellent job, through its payment systems, in ensuring that farmers are paid. A sum of €1 billion will be paid out to farmers in October under the 70% advance payments which I authorised some months ago. I believe Ireland is top of the league in making payments in the European Union. French farmers are obliged to wait for considerably longer than their Irish counterparts to get their money. At a time when farmers need cash flow and support during market difficulties I am delighted that the Irish authorities and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are top of the league. They have a great record. In fact, 100% of the farm applications are coming into the Department online. That is one of the bright spots. Of course, there will always be some difficulties with the 1% - that will always be the way. However, the Department has made substantial progress with its systems to pay people quickly and on time, and I am very happy with the situation.