Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the fact that it has been estimated that farmers face an extra €120 million bill because of bad weather this summer; his further views on whether the bringing forward of payments to farmers that they were already entitled to is not a solution to the major deficit the farmers will see in their income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43573/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am conscious of the significant problems and pressures that this summer's heavy rainfall has caused for farmers. I am conscious that farmers need money in their hands because of the poor summer and because of cash flow problems some of them are experiencing at the moment. I am responding to these pressures within the funds available to me. I recently announced the reopening of the Agri-Environment Options Scheme, AEOS, to new entrants. I am providing €20 million for AEOS, which will open shortly for applications. The scheme will build on the success of the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) and both AEOS 1 and 2 in delivering an annual income to farmers in return for farming to high environmental standards. A maximum payment of €4,000 per annum will apply to individual applicants under the reopened scheme. As the average payment in the past has been lower than the maximum payment, I am confident that up to 6,000 new participants can be accepted into the scheme. I have received EU approval for the advance payment of the 2012 Single Farm Payment. This will enable payment to issue immediately following 15 October and will represent the early payment of some €600 million to farmers.

I fully appreciate the value and importance of the other scheme payments to farmers. I remain committed to ensuring the maximum numbers are paid at the earliest possible date, mindful of the overriding necessity to ensure compliance with the governing EU requirements. Payments worth €161 million under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme began on 26 September last. 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 because an issue relating to qualification criteria is working through the system. REPS payments are up to date. A total of €64 million has been paid out to date. I envisage that a further €121 million will be spent by the end of 2012. AEOS payments are well advanced and continue to issue as quickly as possible. Some €23 million has been paid to date. I expect that 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. Teagasc has been very active in providing advice and assistance for farmers affected by the bad weather. All Teagasc offices are taking calls from concerned farmers. A series of public meetings were held across the country in September to address fodder, financial and social aspects of weather crisis. Weather clinics were also held in all Teagasc offices. Newsletters and media articles were prepared to outline the options open to farmers who are facing difficulties.

Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when disadvantaged payments and first instalment of single payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Cork [43657/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

An application under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 11 May 2012, processing of which is now complete. Payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will, therefore, issue shortly. Payment of the 50% advance under the 2012 Single Payment Scheme is due to commence on 16 October, with balancing payments scheduled to begin on 1 December. The person named is scheduled to be included with the initial tranche of advance payments.