Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

The single farm payment forms a significant part of the annual income of the farming community in Ireland. It is clear that the timing of this payment is extremely important to farmers, particularly those farmers with low farm incomes. It is also important in the current difficult financial circumstances where farmers, like other sectors in the economy, are finding it difficult to access credit.

The answer to the Deputy's question is "Yes". I issued a press release earlier stating we have been successful along with other member states in lobbying the Commission to facilitate the early payment of 50% of the moneys under the single farm scheme on 16 October. Farmers will receive 50% of their payments in mid-October rather than having to wait another few months for reasons the Deputy can outline. There have been many problems with drought in Europe this year and there are specific problems in Ireland relating to credit and cash flow. Ireland along with a number of other countries made the case to the Commission that it should facilitate early payments of the single farm payment this year and we have been successful. Only an hour ago, I issued a press statement to that effect.

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