Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy has raised a number of different issues. I have been over in the west of Ireland meeting a number of farmers affected by the storm. Many of the farmers we are discussing in terms of ACRES have been impacted by the storm in a range of ways. We stand ready to support them. Initially, we are getting their power and water back but I am conscious that this debate was about ACRES and I want to give clarity on the record in that regard.

The year 2023 was a challenging for this brand-new system, which was ambitious and had a level of complexity that previous agri-environmental schemes did not. We have to manage those complexities and challenges, and we made €4,000 and €5,000 interim payments, amounting to almost €120 million, to farmers last year to make up for that fact. The vast majority of farmers did get a payment in that space. We are now working through the final calculation for the 2,700 farmers who are outstanding as to exactly what amount they are due. For those who require a top-up payment, that will be pursued. We are dealing with processing of those balancing payments now on a case-by-case basis. These are some of the more complex issues.

Regarding the Deputy's point about issues around probate and title deeds, talking to an official in the Department of agriculture can sort that out. I agree that we need clear communication. Farmers require that. The very officials who are working through these detailed and complex cases are the same ones who spend all of that time on the phone as well. Where there is a probate or title deed issue, it is dealt with by the Land Registry, not the Department of agriculture. We must clearly communicate so that, where there is a title deed issue, farmers know what steps they can take. I will make a commitment: if a large number of them are impacted in a similar way, I will use my office to talk to the Land Registry and others to see how we can move their cases along.

Ultimately, I take on board the frustration of farmers impacted by this. The year 2024 saw a significant improvement in processing through the issues and getting on top of those that were highlighted in 2023. Some 75% of ACRES advance payments were made in 2024, which is a reflection of the fact that progress has been made in the delivery of the required IT systems. There is more to be done and I will continue to work on that. It is a major priority for me to resolve this issue for the very reason the Deputy outlined, namely, achieving the confidence that is needed in this agri-environmental scheme, which so many farmers wanted to sign up for. I am proud of the fact that we were able to facilitate all of those farmers being able to access it. Now we want to ensure that those who have outstanding payments or issues are dealt with as quickly as possible.

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