Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the percentage of the total money paid out to farmers by 18 October 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40634/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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My overall priority in relation to processing payments under the Single Farm Payment and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme in 2010 is to ensure that as many payments can be made to as many farmers as quickly as possible subject to the necessary requirements of those two schemes being met. For that reason, I set out a very ambitious payments schedule for the commencement of payments under the various Direct Payments between September and the end of the year. My Department is adhering to the schedule.

The total number of farmers advance paid under the SPS since payments commenced on 18th October is 110,438 with an amount totalling €519 million. These applicants have been paid more than 93% of the total due, as they were paid on the basis of their eligible digitised land. As the maps submitted by farmers are-re-digitised additional payments will be made to the farmers in question provided that their applications are clear for payment.