Single Payment Scheme Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2013

Tuesday, 23 April 2013

Questions (561)

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

561. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the district veterinary office in Roscommon will accept single farm payment forms this year; if received on the closing date, will this count as received on time by his Department; if staff at the DVO office in Roscommon will be able to assist in the completion of the single farm payment application forms as in previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19095/13]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The closing date for receipt of applications under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme has been set as Wednesday, 15 May 2013 and, by way of further improving the service offered to farmers in 2013 and in recognition of the significant contribution of the Single Farm Payment to the incomes of farmers, it has been decided to individually acknowledge receipt of each application form, as soon as possible after receipt. Consequently, applications under the 2013 Single Payment Scheme must be posted/delivered to my Department’s SPS Payments Unit in Portlaoise and can, therefore, no longer be lodged in Department Local Offices.