Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Deputy's concern. Coming from a similar area, I understand the importance of this. I am sure the Deputy would agree it was an imaginative and creative scheme as proven by the number of applicants. Of 6,563 applicants, 4,809 have successfully completed and €4.5 million of the allocated €5 million has already been paid out. Based on what the Deputy has said, some of the payments appear to have been delayed. His concerns, and mine, will be brought to the Minister's attention. Given that the Minister has a great understanding of agriculture, I am sure he will do everything possible to expedite any payment that is due and is not yet processed. Some 600 appeals are in process of which more than 100 have already been assessed successfully. Taking everything into consideration, significant progress is being made on the matter. I know farmers want to get whatever is owing to them as soon as possible.

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