Fianna Fáil Seanad Spokesperson on Agriculture, Brian Ó Domhnaill, has condemned delays by the Department of Agriculture in issuing 2013 Farm payments.
Senator O’Domhnaill
The Donegal Senator has slammed the fact that as Christmas approaches 1758 Donegal Farmers have not received their 2013 Disadvantaged Area Scheme payment while 453 Donegal Farmers are waiting on payment under the Single Payment Scheme.
Senator Ó Domhnaill said; “I have asked the Minister for Agriculture to immediately deal with this situation and ensure all payments are issued as quickly as possible.
“I have also asked the Minister to allow substantial part payments in cases where a parcel or part of the land is being queried as being ineligible.
“No farmer should have all of there money withheld while the outcome of a review into part of their lands is being considered.”
“This is a very costly time of the year for farmers given the high winter feed costs and therefore the Department of Agriculture must show flexibility and efficiency in dealing with farm payments.
“Farmers are experiencing serious income and cash flow problems and the unnecessary delays in payment for 20% of the Counties Farmers is exacerbating this problem significantly.