Applications under the 2013 Single Payment/Disadvantaged Areas scheme were received from the persons named on 10 October 2013. The closing date for submission of 2013 Single Payment Scheme application forms was 15 May 2013. The Single Farm Premium/Disadvantaged Areas Terms and Conditions clearly state that an Express post receipt or a Registered post receipt are the only acceptable forms of proof that an application was posted. The persons named submitted a certificate of postage as proof that the applications were posted, however in accordance with the scheme Terms and Conditions the applications were not accepted.
An official from my Department has been in direct contact with the persons named to clarify the position.