Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 118: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to restore the disadvantaged area payment rates to their 2008 levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20169/09]

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

Against the background of the deterioration in public finances, my approach in preparing the 2009 Estimates for my Department was to protect expenditure for major developmental measures in the agri-food sector. To achieve this objective, savings had to be found in other areas and I decided reluctantly to reduce expenditure under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme for 2009 by reducing the maximum area limit to 34 hectares (84 acres). While overall expenditure will fall, almost 67,000 farmers will not suffer any reduction in their payments as a result of the introduction of the 34-hectare limit. The rates of payment which were increased by 8% in 2007 remain unchanged.

The total amount available under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme in 2009 is €220 million. This represents a substantial injection of funds paid to farmers situated in the areas and the Scheme continues to be one of the best well funded Disadvantaged Areas Schemes in the European Union.

Notwithstanding the difficulties in the public finances, the position is that in excess of €3.2 billion will be spent next year by my Department in support of agriculture, fisheries and food. It is important to get through this challenging period and continue towards achieving the full potential of our most important indigenous industry when the economy begins to grow again.