The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, TD, today confirmed that agreement has been reached in Brussels today which provides for an advance payment under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme. ‘I am very pleased at the level of support evident at today’s meeting, the Minister said, adding ‘This will now allow us to make advance payments, at a rate of 50%, to those applicants whose applications are confirmed fully clear, with effect from 16 October, with balancing payments being made with effect from 1 December’.

The Minister explained that his approach to the Agriculture Commissioner had been prompted by the protracted unseasonable weather which prevailed throughout the country, which culminated in a serious national fodder shortage which led to severe difficulties for farmers.