Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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988. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farming payments will be issued on time in view of the pending fodder crisis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36263/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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My Department administers a wide range of schemes which provide vital support to underpin the continued sustainability and growth of the agri-food sector. With the challenging weather conditions experienced by farmers this year, I am keenly aware of the importance of these supports for farmers, and accordingly the issuing of payments under these schemes is a matter of priority for my Department.

The main schemes are delivered under the framework of the EU Common Agricultural Policy, and each year approximately €1.5bn issues under these schemes. My Department has a strong record in the efficient delivery of these payments, as evidenced by the fact that we perform very favourably compared to other EU Member States in terms of both the dates on which payments are delivered and our ability to maximise the drawdown of available EU funding.

In terms of the individual schemes, The Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme is due to commence payment on schedule again this year. In 2017, in the week beginning 18th September, payments in excess of €160 million issued to over 75,000 farmers. This represented a significant increase over the 65,000 paid at the same stage in 2016.

The main Direct Payment scheme is the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). Advance payments are due to commence on 16 October this year, which is the first date permissible under the EU Regulations. In light of the challenging conditions experienced in 2018, agreement has been reached that the advance payment rate will be set at 70% for 2018, rather than the 50% provided for in EU regulations.

Following the first payments issuing on 16th October, regular payment runs will be made in respect of all applicants whose applications are fully processed and who have no outstanding errors. The balancing payment, at a rate of 30%, will begin to issue to farmers at the beginning of December.

For the 2017 BPS advance payment, 111,000 farmers received an advance payment totalling some €700 million on the first pay run, representing an increase from the 109,000 farmers paid at the same stage in 2016.

2017 GLAS advance payments commenced in November 2017. To date 99.7% of eligible advances have been paid. GLAS balance payments commenced on schedule in May 2018. To date 99% of eligible cases have been paid. The bulk of outstanding payments are due to the non submission of Commonage Management Plans (CMPs), Nutrient Management Plans (NMPS) and non participation in GLAS training. 2018 advance payments are on track to commence in November and will be paid at the higher rate of 85%. GLAS payments continue to issue on a weekly basis.

To assist farmers in replenishing their fodder stocks, flexibilities have been introduced in the GLAS scheme for the LIPP and EMFL actions. LIPP parcels can be cut for the production of hay or silage from 1 September to 30 November 30. In addition off takes can be removed from GLAS fallow land parcels for the production of fodder during the same period. These derogations will apply for 2018 only. Standard scheme specification apply from 1 December 2018 onwards.