Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for taking this matter on the Adjournment. I seek clarification concerning the payment to farmers of grants under the agri-environment options scheme, AEOS. When will these payments be made? A large number of farmers in my local area, for example, in Athenry, Loughrea, Gort, Tuam and Kinvara, have been waiting for an unacceptably long time to have payments furnished to them. I understand farmers in the Galway East constituency are not alone and that numbers awaiting payment run into the thousands. Most of those affected are in an uncertain position and it is a source of frustration to them that payments are being held up for reasons that are not clear. The farmers in question have co-operated fully with the conditions of the scheme and are to be commended on the patience they have shown thus far. Farmers require certainty, however, regarding when payments will be made, given that in the current times they must manage tight farm budgets.

I am aware that administrative problems arose in the AEOS 2 scheme but the matters were resolved after some time had elapsed. It is clear that more targeted action must be taken to prevent a repeat of these problems. It is vital that farmers receive their AEOS 2 payments immediately and that all payments are made without undue delay. Farm incomes have declined significantly in recent years and in the current times the option of subsidising their income by securing off-farm employment is no longer available. For this reason, the types of financial supports provided under the agri-environment options scheme are vital for ensuring the continuing success of local community focused farms. In the circumstances, I ask the Minister of State to confirm when the payments will be made and seek an assurance from the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine that he will undertake to ensure all payments will be made in a timely manner in future. I look forward to the Minister of State's response.