October advances paid in only four member states
However, there have been delays for the rest of the 6,500 BPS applicants selected for the inspections.
Priority is being given to the processing of all outstanding inspections, and inspection cases continue to finalised to payment stage on a daily basis, said Agriculture Minister Michael Creed, responding to a Dáil question from Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary, Jackie Cahill.
EU regulations governing the administration of the Basic Payment Scheme and other area-based schemes require that full and comprehensive administrative checks, including ground or remote sensing inspections where applicable, be fully completed before any payments can issue.
Up to a week ago, advance payments under the BPS of more than €735m had issued to over 113,000 farmers, while ANC payments of more than €179m had issued to over 83,500 farmers.
Responding to a Dáil question from Robert Troy, the Fianna Fáil TD for Longford -Westmeath, Mr Creed said there is currently no delay in digitising of maps arising from query cases or eligibility checks, other than cases which are the subject of ongoing correspondence between the farmer and his Department.
Ireland is one of only four member states to have paid advance payments in October.
European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Phil Hogan has praised the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for “doing an excellent job, through its payment systems, in ensuring that farmers are paid.
“I believe Ireland is top of the league in making payments in the European Union,” said Mr Hogan.
“French farmers are obliged to wait for considerably longer than their Irish counterparts to get their money. At a time when farmers need cash flow and support during market difficulties I am delighted that the Irish authorities and the Department of Agriculture are top of the league. They have a great record.”
