The overall target for GLAS is to attract 50,000 farmers into the scheme. I am pleased to confirm that some 38,000 farmers have been approved into the first two Tranches of GLAS, 26,500 in GLAS 1 and 11,500 in GLAS 2, while ensuring adequate provisions are available for Tranche 3 of the scheme. A small number of applicants had difficulty submitting applications under Tranche 2 of GLAS. My Department is investigating all issues that have arisen and maintains close contact with the GLAS approved advisors responsible for the submission of these applications with a view to resolving the issues and finalising any outstanding applications as soon as possible.