We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

ACRES advance payments

Summary

Deputy Conway-Walsh welcomed visitors and urged advance ACRES payments to ease pressure on farmers, suppliers and local businesses.

My point is that the criteria for the scheme are not aligning.

Comment on this
Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

We are over time.

Comment on this

The Taoiseach needs to look at that. The criteria are not aligning-----

Comment on this
Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

Deputy-----

Comment on this

-----for the people for whom the scheme is supposed to be providing.

Comment on this
Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

Táimid thar am. We are way over time. There are three contributors left and I will take them together, one after another. I call an Teachta Rose Conway-Walsh.

Comment on this

I welcome Harry, Lorcan and Karen Keely to the Gallery. I raise the seriousness of the delay in ACRES. Delay impacts not only the families of the farmers but also suppliers, local businesses and contractors who desperately need that money. The issue is also going to impact taxation. It means that for two payments in one year, recipients are going to be taxed more than they would otherwise be. Their incomes will be eroded on that basis. I support the call for advance payments. There is no reason an advance payment of, say, 85% could not be done in this situation. Will the Minister of State be contacting all farmers? They all need to be contacted about this issue. I ask the Government to do those advance payments of at least 85%. Anything that needs to be reclaimed can be reclaimed later but advance payments must be provided. This is not the fault of farmers.

Comment on this