Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

For thousands of farmers awaiting payment under REPS 4, that explanation will not wash. Notwithstanding administrative checks or industrial relations disputes, applications have been with the Department since late 2007, yet neither the Minister or his officials has been in a position to communicate directly with these farmers until now to tell them that there has been such an administrative problem. Teagasc and private planners are clearly stating that this problem emanates from the Minister's Department and that they were never apprised of any additional requirements for REPS 4 when they were submitting their original applications.

I suggest that the Minister go back to the European Commission post-haste and seek permission to pay immediately REPS 4 entitlements for the first year, given the cash difficultly in which farmers find themselves. Let us use the intervening period between payment for the first year and the second year to resolve outstanding administrative difficulties that have arisen.

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