Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 387: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all outstanding payments will be made on shed grants for island farmers in view of the increased transport and cargo costs incurred by these farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13736/10]

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 were confirmed in early 2009 with the first instalment of 40 per cent being paid in that year as claims were approved, a further instalment of 40 per cent in early 2010, and the remaining instalment of 20 per cent in January 2011. In addition, I also announced at that time that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount would be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants are partially deferred in the manner set out above. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

I have no plans to alter these arrangements at this time. However, the Deputy should note that the Scheme provided for an increase of 25 per cent in my Department's Standard Costs in the case of investments carried out on off-shore islands.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 388: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there will be cuts to any island farm payments due to their disadvantage as opposed to mainland farmers; the steps that he will take to encourage the continuation of farming on our islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13737/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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A special category was included in the Single Payment Scheme 2007 national reserve for off-shore island farmers where the value of existing entitlements were less than the District Electoral Division (DED) average value. Under this measure, some €64,000 was allocated to Island farmers. This top-up will, of course, apply each year and will be worth some €384,000 over the period 2007- 2012 inclusive.