Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

I am not sure whether we are supposed to jump up and down and clap when we hear the Minister say he will pay. The big question for farmers is when they will be paid. Is the Minister aware that for every month he delays payment — I will not make reference to the charter of rights which speaks about payment within eight weeks — interest payments made by farmers to banks come to approximately €3 million? That sum comes directly from farmers' pockets.

I presume that before the Minister came into the House he was talking about recapitalising the banks. Possibly after he leaves here he will continue to do so as he will return to a Cabinet meeting. That policy should inform every Department and the way in which they approach such issues. Paying the farmers their farm waste management scheme grants would, in effect, recapitalise the banks. The farmers will take the grant with one hand and hand it with the other to the bank managers to whom they owe money. My questions for the Minister are simple. When will they be paid? Will he bring in a Supplementary Estimate to provide for payment?

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