Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has made an application to the European Institute for emergency funding to assist farmers in the aftermath of severe and harsh weather conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40047/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The European Union Solidarity Fund is aimed primarily at providing funding to Member States in the event of a natural disaster. Following the bad weather this summer, I sought and received EU approval for the advance payment of the 2012 Single Payment. This will enable payment to issue immediately following 15 October and will represent the early payment of some €600 million to farmers.

I also fully appreciate the value and importance of the other scheme payments to farmers and I remain committed to ensuring that the maximum numbers are paid at the earliest possible date, mindful, of course, of the over-riding necessity to ensure compliance with the governing EU requirements.

Payments worth some €154 under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme will begin tomorrow, 26th September. This funding will provide a boost to the rural economy and will benefit all areas of the country. It is too early to estimate at this stage the level of total payments which will be made under this scheme in 2012. REPS payments in respect of 2011 are up to date. A total of €64 million has been paid out to-date and I envisage that by the end of 2012 a further €121 million will be spent. AEOS payments are well advanced and continue to issue as quickly as possible. To date €23 million has been paid and a further €34 million will be paid out before the end of 2012. My intention is to ensure that payments in respect of 2012 are made on the earliest possible date.

The closing dates for spreading of chemical and organic fertiliser have been extended to 30 September and 31 October respectively. This will help farmers to make the most of the grass growing season.

Teagasc have been very active in providing advice & assistance for farmers affected by the bad weather. All Teagasc offices are taking calls from concerned farmers. A series of public meetings are being held across the country in September to address fodder / financial and social aspects of the weather crisis. Weather clinics were held in all Teagasc offices recently.