Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, before we proceed I wish to confirm that we received apologies from Senator Collins. We are aiming at five-minute question-and-answer slots in order that there will be an opportunity to come back on a second round based on the time left available to us.

I thank the officials for the presentations. We had the opportunity to read over them earlier as well.

Farmers feel the pressure when there are delays in the payments. It was a major issue for members that we wanted it pursued and that it would be a priority and we would have it as one of the committee's first topics.

The likes of ACRES and TAMS are typical pressure points that farmers have been raising. It is not just about identifying what is behind it but also what the Department is doing to deal with that and to ensure it does not arise in future schemes so farmers can depend on receiving their payments.

Ábhar mór buairt d'fheirmeoirí atá ann. Teastaíonn uainn a chinntiú go mbeidh íocaíochtaí á fháil acu in am. Tá baill an choiste chun díriú isteach ar cén fáth a bheadh moill i gceist, agus cén feabhas gur féidir a chur ar an gcóras chun a chinntiú nach mbeadh a leithéid ag tarlú.

Each member will have five minutes for the first round and I will start with Deputy Healy-Rae.