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

I was glad to hear the announcement earlier this month that an interim payment will be paid to tranche 1 participants in the ACRES scheme. This was something that I and members of other Opposition groups had been calling for since the delays in payments were announced. Many people who rely on those payments were in touch with us.

Commitments were made to farmers to support them when they signed up for a scheme to try to make a positive environmental impact. It is essential that farmers have confidence in the scheme in order for it to continue and expand year on year. Reliable payment schedules are essential to instil that confidence. Will the Minister provide clarity around the payment schedules for tranche 2 of the scheme? What is he doing to ensure delays are not repeated in future years?

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