Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It has been indicated by the Department of agriculture that more than 18,000 farmers who have applied under the ACRES co-operation project stream will not be paid until next February at the earliest. This is not acceptable. Farmers need money for Christmas like everyone else. After a very tough year weather-wise - bad weather makes every chore more expensive and fodder is scarce and expensive - they have bills to pay like everyone else. If the Government cannot pay farmers 100%, I ask that it at least pays them 50% of what is owed before Christmas and the remainder as soon as possible. I ask that all farmers be paid 50% of their payments before Christmas and the remainder be paid after that. It is a fair and reasonable request.

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