EU budget row could delay state refunds

THE Government has responded furiously to a claim that EU payments to farmers could be delayed, but the state itself could be left waiting for months for refunds of up to €1.2 billion from Brussels.

European Parliament president Jerzy Buzek told RTÉ that the delay could result from member states’ ongoing row with the Parliament over the EU budget.

But a Government spokesperson insisted: “Payments to farmers will be unaffected.”