Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 153: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of the negotiations he, his Department officials or Department of Finance officials are engaged in with Irish banks regarding moneys due to farmers under the farm investment scheme, the farm waste management scheme and REP scheme four; if he accepts the clear contractual obligation on him to honour these commitments in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4953/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Insofar as commitments have been entered into by my Department, the liabilities arising will be met subject, of course, to such verification as may be required to ensure that the claimants have complied with the terms and conditions of the schemes. The timing of payment is subject to the provision of adequate funding on the Vote for my Department. Last week, the Government took a number of decisions on the overall Expenditure Control and Economic Strategy that included the funding for the Farm Waste Management Scheme and arrangements for payment of grant aid under that scheme on a phased basis. My Department is in discussion with the Department of Finance on the implications for the Department's Vote and the details that will be published in the 2009 Revised Estimates Volume next month.

I have arranged to meet the Irish Banks tomorrow to discuss with them how those farmers who are due their Farm Waste Management grants, which are guaranteed by the State, might be facilitated.