Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators Kyne and Burke again for raising the matter. I am from a large rural constituency and fully appreciate and understand how delays can affect farm management. As we all know, farmers are dependent on cash flow and they only receive payments, in many cases, once or twice a year. Farmers must make their cash flow management work for the full year. I understand there should not be any delays in that regard, especially if those farmers have not committed any wrongdoing to cause the fire. I will raise the matter with the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, and report the comments made by both Senators. We can try to see if we can get further movement in terms of reducing the timeframe of the appeals process.

I also note, as I referenced earlier, that farmers must be conscious of the strict regulatory environment of the EU audit service which is required for these payments. We will do our best to see if we can reduce any burden on our farming community. That is the key and it is what we are all trying to do.