Farmers set to get €27m from Europe

But farm groups criticise wait of up to 10 months to get the cash

Irish farmers are to get a Christmas gift from Brussels of more than €27m that had been taken from their direct payments during the year — but they may have to wait up to 10 months to receive it.

A total of €868m will be reimbursed to EU farmers — their direct aid was reduced by this sum to establish the agricultural crisis reserve, and to keep the agriculture budget within the agreed ceiling.