2501. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue under the 2025 farming for water scheme; the delays on progressing these payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55525/26]

The Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership, FFW EIP, is delivered by an Operational Group, led by the River Basin Management Service (formerly Lawpro).

Approvals for applications, verification of measures taken, processing and approval of individual farmer payments for the FFW EIP are made by the River Basin Management Service's administration staff and catchment scientists. Payment checks are conducted by my Department.

To date payments totalling €9.8 million have issued to participating farmers for implementing measures aimed at water quality improvement, since the programme began. All approved measures, where works have been completed and valid claims submitted, will be paid in full once the necessary checks have been completed.