Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 213: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in the context of the significant number of farmers who have the farm waste management grants which are duly payable to them, it is proposed to be granted over three years on a 40:40:20 basis, if they will be paid on a 50:50 basis; if the interest accruing on the outstanding loans which farmers negotiated with the banks, which were €100,000 and over in many instances, will be defrayed by his Department, as farmers are paying up to €750 or €800 monthly interest on the outstanding amounts which would not have arisen if the grants were paid out as they were due, and which outstanding bank balances for the capital loan, are making it more difficult for farmers to negotiate their usual seasonal loans; if steps along the forgoing proposals will be taken to help alleviate the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7825/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. Payment of the initial 40 per cent to farmers will be made as expeditiously as possible. The arrangements in regard to interest are currently being discussed with representatives of the Irish banking sector.