Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The bottom line in the discussion afterwards was about how we avoid losing the derogation or going below 220 kg. There was much realism at that meeting. Many people realised the reality of the situation. It was critical that, nationally, we take every effort, working with the farming community, to make sure we do not go below the 220 kg limit and that we retain that at the time of the next review. It is important we work collectively and in partnership with the farming community to achieve that.

Deputy Collins knows that ACRES was initially planned to take in applicants from two tranches, with 30,000 in tranche 1. The Government made a decision to accept all valid applications submitted last year. There are up to 46,000 farmers actively in the scheme, if not more. That has created pressure on the Department in respect of the payments. Department officials are working flat-out to get advance payments to ACRES farmers, commencing on 18 December. Up to 992 ACRES participants in County Cork will be included in that. Everything is being done to pay, as soon as possible, all ACRES participants who clear prepayment checks. I think it is a good sign that there was such high demand for ACRES. It shows farmers believe it is worthwhile and impactful. It has proved very popular. We took the right decision to expand it and to include as many farmers as possible.

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