GLAS Applications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 October 2015

Wednesday, 14 October 2015

Questions (22)

Michael McNamara

Question:

22. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that will be put in place for putative applicants for the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme in May 2015 who were advised by Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, that it did not have the administrative capacity to develop their applications and who, as a result, waited to apply in October 2015 and are now facing reductions due to changes in criteria. [35830/15]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

I am aware that Teagasc wrote to some of their clients advising that they did not have the capacity to submit their GLAS plans by 15 May 2015. This is a matter between Teagasc and their client base and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the issue or indeed to become involved in matters which are of a contractual nature between the parties involved. While Teagasc indicated to some of their clients that they could not submit applications for them, it is always open to farmers to approach another adviser to do so on their behalf and I know that many did so.

In relation to those who did not, and who are now proposing to apply under Tranche 2, they will be able to do so in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the new scheme, which for many farmers will prove more beneficial, particularly those with farmland birds or Natura land.