Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 March 2015
174. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the second phase of the green low-carbon agri-environmental scheme for 20,000 farmers is opening in August 2015, as is being reported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12749/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe negotiations with the European Commission in relation to the details of the new GLAS Scheme were long and protracted, and as a result the earliest date the scheme could be opened was 23rd February, 2015. While it has always been my intention to invite applications into GLAS over several tranches, my immediate priority is to focus on the preparation, submission and processing of Tranche 1 applications to ensure approvals into the scheme at the earliest possible date. The online application system developed for GLAS is a new and innovative approach for the submission of agri environment applications and the experience gained in processing Tranche 1 applications will assist in refining the system for future application Tranches.
I will decide on the opening of a second Tranche in due course and farmers and advisors will be given adequate notice to allow for the preparation and submission of applications.
