Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Farmers in the State are under huge pressure with input costs and paying bills. There is a great deal of frustration about the delays in the ACRES payment. I acknowledge there is a huge volume of applications to be processed but I want to support the IFA’s proposal that certainty be given and an 85% advance payment be made to farmers by 18 December. Is that possible? Could it be made possible by redeploying staff from other Departments to help to get the payments out? It is not fair or acceptable if 27,800 farmers must wait until February 2024 when they are already under huge strain. Can we give certainty today?

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