Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 1200: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the number of farmers awaiting payment under the 2005 single farm payment scheme in each county; the most common reasons for delays in making payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29613/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The tabular statement below sets out the numbers of 2005 Single Payment Scheme applications in each county with outstanding problems, which must be solved prior to payment.

In common with the coupled schemes, which the Single Payment Scheme replaced, delays in processing can be caused by many factors, including incomplete application forms, errors on applications and discrepancies highlighted following computer validation, which must be resolved via correspondence with the applicant. In many cases, payment could not be made because applicants did not submit an application to transfer the Single Payment entitlements, with lands, by way of inheritance, gift, lease or purchase.

It will be noted that the number of outstanding cases in some counties has increased arising from the continuing concerted efforts by my Department to make direct contact with farmers, who had not submitted applications for the transfer of entitlements despite the issue of previous correspondence and reminders to them.

My Department will continue to issue payments to farmers as outstanding problems are resolved.