Replying to a parliamentary question from Fianna Fáil spokesman on agriculture Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said that some 1,610 farmers in AEOS II and III are still awaiting their payment. With around 9,000 farmers left in the scheme, this means just under 18% still have to be paid.

This payment was due to commence in October last year, with the balance to be paid in December.

As with payments due under GLAS, the delay has been attributed to IT issues, as well as the fact that AEOS II participants completed their five-year contract on 31 December 2016 and thus, under EU regulations, rechecks on payments made for all scheme years must be completed before final payment can be processed.

Creed added that all cases cleared for payment are paid on a weekly basis.

The highest proportion of farmers yet to be paid are in Co Mayo, where 244 are waiting to be paid. Next is Donegal, where 227 are yet to be paid. Next is Co Galway with 219 farmers and then 101 in Kerry.

GLAS payment run

Last week, GLAS payments issued to 365 farmers, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed. This latest payment run brings the total number of farmers waiting for payment to 4,729.

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Full coverage: AEOS