Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

There has been significant buy-in from farmers for the ACRES scheme. It is great to see such engagement with environmental schemes. It was announced last week, however, that payments due in November will only begin to be rolled out next week. Some farmers will not receive payments under the ACRES co-operation scheme until late February. That will put them under significant financial pressure through the Christmas period. Will the Minister consider administering advance payments? How many farmers are affected by the delays?

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