Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of single farm payments that have to be made to farmers in respect of the 2006 single payment scheme; the reason for the delay in paying farmers in respect of the 2006 single payment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3756/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the 2006 Single Payment Scheme, payments worth €1.197 billion have been made to 123,300 applicants, who have declared eligible hectares and have Entitlements under the Scheme, representing over 97% of applicants. Full payment has issued to some 122,200 farmers, while a further 1,100 farmers have received the 50% Advance Payment.

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 a timely application to transfer Single Payment Entitlements, by way of inheritance, gift, lease or purchase. My Department is continuing to issue payments, as outstanding problems are resolved.