Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

For the Deputy's information, there is a later question tabled on the Mercosur trade negotiations, Question No. 45; therefore, we may have an opportunity to discuss the matter which is of critical importance.

The areas of natural constraint, ANC, scheme is a very important source of financial support for farmers across the country, under which over €200 million is paid each year to over 95,000 farmers. A Programme for a Partnership Government provides for a commitment of a €25 million increase in funding for the scheme in 2018. This falls for consideration in the context of discussions on budget 2018.

There are a number of options in relation to how any additional funding could be allocated under the ANC scheme. The options range from allocating the funds as a flat increase across the current payable rates to various forms of targeting higher payment rates for particular categories of farmer. Any change would require formal agreement with the European Commission via a formal amendment to the rural development programme, 2014 to 2020.

The 2017 ANC scheme payments commenced on 19 September and, to date, more than €171 million has been paid to almost 80,000 farmers. Payments are continuing on a rolling basis as more farmers satisfy eligibility and stocking rate requirements. I am pleased to note that payments are ahead of where they were this time last year.

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