Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 399: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if advance payments of the single farm payment will be approved, particularly on account of the bad weather experienced by farmers throughout June; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32979/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As already announced, it is my firm intention to seek the approval of the EU Commissioner to allow the payment of a 50% advance of the Single Payment with effect from 16 October, the earliest payment date possible, it being the first day of the new EU financial year. I am both particularly mindful of the importance of the Single Payment to individual farmers and also of the benefit to the wider rural community and, in light of ongoing general financial difficulties, but particularly the recent very unseasonable weather, I have decided to approach the Commissioner, as indicated.