In excess of 40,000 GLAS applications were received by my Department in 2015 and some 38,000 farmers have been approved into the scheme. 122 appeals to the Department, requesting a review of a decision made, have been received in relation to GLAS 1 and replies have issued in all cases. 424 such requests were received in relation to GLAS 2 and all but 4 cases have been replied to, these are currently being reviewed and decisions will issue shortly.
The Department has been notified by the Agriculture Appeals Office of 30 GLAS appeals submitted to that office. In accordance with agreed procedures and timeframes 25 responses to the Agriculture Appeals Office have issued. The 5 cases on hand are currently being reviewed. The timeframe within which these appeals will be determined is a matter for the independent Agriculture Appeals Office.