Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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93. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the system of payments for single farm payments, disadvantaged area payments and agri-environment options scheme and introduce a front-loading payment system to ensure that all farmers would receive a minimum payment which would be a reasonable amount to ensure the viability of small family holdings and those farmers currently in the low income bracket; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48650/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In July of 2013 I initiated a process of consultation with all farming organisations and other relevant stakeholders to ascertain their views on the most appropriate application of the Direct Payment Regulation in light of Ireland’s unique agricultural profile and circumstances. The results of this consultation process were taken into account when formulating the final shape of direct payments in Ireland for the period 2015 to 2019. These decisions were notified to the EU Commission on the 1^stAugust, 2014 as required under EU Regulations. The implementation of the new regime of direct payments is under way and the process of accepting applications under the various Schemes will begin very early in the New Year.

Analysis of the impact of the Redistributive Payment Scheme indicated that it would not involve a simple transfer of funds from those who currently hold high value entitlements to those who hold low entitlements.In many cases thetransfer of funds under that schemewould counteract the benefits that farmers will obtain from the process of Internal Convergence. I have decided therefore that the redistribution of funds in Ireland should be managed through the Internal Convergence Model, a stepped five year process. This methodology is clear, predictable and easily tracked and achieves the stated objective of a gradual, phased redistribution of funds in a fair and objective manner.