Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The European Union has given Ireland approval to pay an advance of the 2012 single farm payment. A total of €600 million will be paid out from 16 October. My Department is working hard to ensure payments will be processed as quickly as possible thereafter. Despite tough economic conditions, we are investing significantly in the REPS to ensure farmers are supported in delivering the environmental benefits attached to the scheme. To date, €64 million has been paid out under the scheme this year.

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