Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1016. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the IT issues that farmers and FAS advisors experienced with BISS, Eco scheme, CRISS and ANC applications in 2023; if a guarantee will be given that farmers and FAS advisors will not experience IT issues in the 2024 application period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12472/24]
View answer2023 was a challenging year for all those involved with the range of new schemes both under the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP), and those schemes that are fully nationally funded. FAS advisors play a critical role in communicating scheme requirements to farmers and submitting the relevant application forms for these schemes.
Throughout 2023 officials from my Department were in constant contact with Teagasc, ACA and with FAS advisors generally to update them on the various system updates and developments that were deployed throughout the year. While it was a challenging period, we are now in a position where more than 99% of eligible applicants are paid under the main support schemes such as the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), and the Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS).
Online applications for the BISS/CRISS/ECO & ANC Schemes opened as scheduled on 20th February 2024. Scheduled downtime occurred in 2024 to facilitate the introduction of additional functionality for the ECO Scheme and to facilitate the introduction of functionality for the Multi Species Sward Measure (MSSM) and Red Clover Silage Measure (RCSM) Schemes. In 2023 new systems were developed to cater for new requirements under the CAP. The online application was initially opened with additional features added throughout the application period.
The Departments online applications are developed in line with internationally accepted best practices and have a rigorous testing programme. The Department can confirm that applications are continuously monitored in the application period, and that any issues that may arise will be dealt with in a timely and efficient manner.
