Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 1614: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of 2010 disadvantaged area payments that are unpaid on a county basis; his views on delays to payments in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33059/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to the 2010 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, I have exercised the option of making an advance payment of 75 per cent of DAS beginning on 22 September, with the balancing 25 per cent payment commencing 20 October. I have taken this option because of the EU requirement to entirely process applications before payment can be made in full. However, this approach will ensure the maximum number of farmers will get an advance payment, whereas a far fewer number of farmers could be paid in full if an alternative option were taken. The rate of payment under DAS is unchanged from last year and I am confident that all applicants will receive their full entitlement when their maps and applications are fully processed.

Details of payments made to date, by county, including Donegal, are contained in the attached tabular statement. Payments continue to issue as individual cases are cleared.