Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 October 2014
90. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm the start-up date for GLAS as a matter of urgency as many farmers have finished rural environment protection scheme 4 and are substantially down on their income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40711/14]
View answerThe GLAS Scheme is currently with the European Commission for approval, as part of the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020. My officials have very recently received observations from the Commission on the draft Programme and will respond to those as soon as possible. I am therefore not in position at this stage to confirm a start-up date as it is entirely dependent on when we receive full and final approval from the Commission. It is my intention that the Scheme will be rolled-out very quickly after Commission approval is received and it is my expectation that contracts will commence in 2015.
