Written answers
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Single Payment Scheme Payments
Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will give a county breakdown of single farm payment figures; if he will state the number of farmers in each county in receipt of these payments; if he considers the current distribution system of SFP's to be fair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49113/12]
Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The data requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled by my Department and a detailed response will issue directly when this is completed.
On the question of fairness, the current payment system is based on entitlements established as a result of production levels in the 2000-2002 reference period, and the farming profile has undergone minimal change in the meantime. I have acknowledged that these historical references are no longer tenable. However, while I am prepared to consider a limited move away from this model, the Commission’s proposals for a flat-rate payment go too far and too fast. Therefore my main focus in the CAP reform negotiations is on securing a more measured approach that will limit the gains and losses to Irish farmers, and ensure that the direct payments system continues to provide the foundation for the achievement of the ambitious targets that have been set for the development of the sector.
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