Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2019
554. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of GLAS payments in respect of low-emission slurry spreading in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019 that were based solely on invoices from contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29776/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra555. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of GLAS payments in respect of low-emission slurry spreading paid on the basis of contractor invoices; the reason his Department does not keep a register of contractors that received such payments to ensure they are tax compliant and VAT registered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29777/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 554 and 555 together.
GLAS participants who undertake the Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) action have the option of carrying out the spreading themselves or employing a contractor. The Department does not keep a register of contractors who provide this service to GLAS participants. GLAS payments for this action are made in full to the farmer as required by the governing regulations and where a contractor is used, the contract is a private matter between the farmer and contractor.
Participants must submit an annual declaration form and declare the spreading method used and volumes spread on the holding on an annual basis. No payments are calculated on the basis of invoices received from service providers.
