Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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78. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will issue area aid even in cases where deductions apply in order that farmers will not experience undue delays in receiving payments; the current procedure in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38310/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is no doubt aware the Single Farm Payment scheme is 100% EU funded with the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme co-funded and as such both are governed by the relevant EU rules and regulations. These regulations provide for a comprehensive system of controls and checks including both remote sensing and on farm inspections. It is not possible under the EU legislation governing the payment of aid under both the Single Payment Scheme and other area based schemes to make payment in cases that are not fully processed and clear. Payments under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme commenced on target on 24 September, with in excess of €159m paid to 76,211 applicants to date. Payments will continue to issue thereafter, on a twice weekly basis as individual cases become eligible.

Advance Payments under the 2014 Single Payment Scheme will begin, on schedule, on 16 October. Payments runs thereafter continue on a twice weekly basis, with individual cases being paid as they are confirmed eligible.