My Department took a number of steps in an effort to minimise the impact of the recent CPSU industrial action on farmers intending to submit area aid applications in 1996.
The first step was to extend the closing date for receipt of area aid applications. The normal closing date for submission of area aid applications in any year is 31 March and EU Commission approval is required by any member state wishing to extend beyond that date. Ireland had already received EU approval for a closing date of 30 April to assist farmers in dealing with the new land parcel identification system which EU regulations required be in place for 1996. The latest date for which approval can be given is 15 May. Therefore, to facilitate farmers who experienced difficulties due to the industrial action in my Department, Ireland obtained EU Commission approval for a closing date of 15 May 1996 for receipt of 1996 area aid applications.