Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2016
146. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if European Union legislation or regulations require member states to only accept online applications under the basic payment scheme; and if such a stipulation by his Department facilitates or impedes access to this scheme, especially among older farmers and farmers in areas poorly served by broadband. [4776/16]
View answerCommission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 809/2014 sets out specific requirements with regard to geo-spatial (online) aid applications for the Basic Payment Schemes. The regulation sets out that Member States shall provide for geo-spatial (online) applications, and that 75% of beneficiaries in 2017 and all beneficiaries in 2018 must apply online.
In order to ensure that these regulatory requirements are met, my Department has been moving certain categories of farmers to online application in 2015 and 2016. This process will continue as we move towards the 2018 regulatory target.
Within this context, my Department has put in place a rigorous system of support for online applicants via a dedicated helpdesk, and more targeted supports will be in place as the process continues to ensure access to the Basic Payment Scheme is not impeded. Online application involves a range of advantages for farmers, which will help to ensure the continued efficient and effective delivery of these vital payments.
