Hopkins welcomes Disadvantaged Areas Scheme payments worth €13.6m to Roscommon and Leitrim farmers

Fine Gael candidate in the Roscommon/South Leitrim bye-election, Maura Hopkins, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney that the 2014 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, worth some €149m nationally, has started issuing, on schedule, today.

“The issuing of the 2014 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme will mean total payments of €8,762,164.97 to 4,157 Roscommon farmers and €4,852,696.39 to 2,223 Leitrim farmers. Direct aid payments to farmers and the rural community are extremely important. I know a lot of farmers in the Roscommon/South Leitrim constituency are dependent on this payment so the fact that this money is being issued on time is to be greatly welcomed.

“Approximately 71,500 eligible farmers across the country will receive their payments in the coming days, but with such a large volume of payments due, it is expected to take about a week for all payments to be issued.

“It is also important to note that there are a significant number of farmers who appear ineligible for this payment under their stocking provisions. I am sure many of those affected are eligible but they must submit the appropriate documentation to the Department so that payments can be issued. I would encourage all farmers who believe they are eligible to present their horse passports, sheep registers, etc. to the Department to assure payment.

“Farming and agri-business are extremely important to Ireland and to this constituency. These payments are essential to provide cash-flow and to secure the business. I am very pleased that more farmers are receiving their payment on time; the number of farmers being paid in the first tranche is up from 58,000 last year to 71,500 in 2014. Minister Coveney has also confirmed that arrangements are on target to allow payment of the 50% advance of the Single Payment, with effect from 16th October. This is another very important payment which assists farmers’ cash flows.

“Despite the good weather, it has been a challenging year for farmers across the country. However the economy is beginning to improve and the contribution of the agri-business sector has been significant in this recovery.

“The Government is committed to rebuilding a sustainable and robust economy, we are determined that the recovery will not be threatened or wasted and improving systems to assist the farming community is part of this plan.”