I propose to take Questions Nos. 238, 239 and 241 to 243, inclusive, together.
Joining GLAS is a voluntary commitment by a farmer to undertake certain actions during their participation in the scheme. The Traditional Hay Meadow action in GLAS promotes the maintenance of a traditional method of forage conservation that is beneficial to grassland flora and fauna. Farmers who have opted to participate in this action voluntarily commit to the closure of such meadows until July 1st and receive €315 payment per hectare per year to compensate for income foregone. In total, these farmers will be paid at least €18m this year for this one action. My priority is to ensure that farmers continue to qualify to receive payment for this action.
There are currently no plans to bring forward the date permitted for cutting these meadows.