Killeen Describes Ireland’s Disadvantaged Area Scheme As One Of The Best-Funded In Europe

The Clare T.D. said that a total of EUR200 million in funding has been earmarked for the scheme in 2009.

He explained: "Despite the intense pressures caused by the current economic difficulties, the fact is that Ireland continues to benefit greatly under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme. However, the decision has reluctantly been taken to reduce expenditure on the disadvantaged area scheme in 2009. This had been done in a targeted way that ensures that 67,000 of the 102,000 farmers in the scheme will experience no reduction in their payments."

"All participants in the scheme will continue to benefit from the substantial increase of 8 per cent introduced in the rate of payments introduced in 2007 while almost half of those in receipt of disadvantaged area payments will also benefit under REPS, which includes a seventeen per cent increase in the level of payments made under REPS4", Minister Killeen concluded.

In addition, over 47,000 participants will benefit from the suckler welfare scheme, which is a new stream of income for Irish farmers and in respect of which €77 million will be paid out in the next couple of months. Furthermore, farmers in disadvantaged areas will receive EUR920 million in single farm payments.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900