Commenting on the news, Minsiter for Agriculture Simon Coveney said the resources of his Department continues to be focused on the remaining unpaid cases. "I can confirm that every effort continues to be made to clearing the small percentage of remaining cases for payment and, to this end, I can confirm that regular payment runs will continue to be made on both schemes on a twice weekly basis”. "

He said: “By any measure, the payments performance over the past two months has been good and is particularly welcome this year given the financial difficulties experienced by many farmers especially in the beef sector.”

Reimbursement

The news comes as the European Commission has confirmed it is to reimburse €27 million to Irish farmers. The moneywas deducted to establish the agricultural crisis reserve.

ICSA president Patrick Kent said “While we welcome the return of this money... we see no reason why it can’t be paid back at the earliest opportunity.”

“Farmers have suffered a lot of financial hardship this year and ICSA would like to see these payments made in time for Christmas.”