Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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215. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when Lakeland Co-Op will receive payment under the fodder scheme; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8651/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In excess of 18,000 farmers benefited under the Imported Fodder Transport Scheme, under which, to date, payments worth some €2.4 million have issued, with total expenditure expected to be in the region of €2.8 million.

In light of the difficulties experienced by farmers in sourcing fodder supplies in April/May 2013, I announced the allocation of funding for an imported fodder transport scheme, designed to reduce the cost to farmers of imported forage (hay, silage, haylage) from outside the island of Ireland. The aid substantially covered the cost of transport into the country, thus reducing the cost to farmers of a bale of hay by approximately one third.

While the Scheme operated through the co-operatives, marts and other approved agencies, the actual beneficiaries are the individual farmers and primary producers who needed urgent supplies of feed. Operating the scheme in this manner was the quickest and most effective way of getting the fodder to those who needed it.

Of the 78 different concerns which participated in the Scheme, to date, 71 have submitted claims, of which 48 have been fully processed and paid in full, with a further 19 having received a 75% advance payment. The balancing payment will issue to these concerns once all outstanding issues are resolved. These concerns have been contacted directly and are working with my Department to resolve the outstanding issues.

The concern in question has received a 75% advance payment, which issued on 10 October 2013. Since then there has been ongoing direct contact between officials of that concern and officials of my Department regarding a number of outstanding issues. Immediately the remaining issues are resolved, the balancing payment will issue.