Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

The Minister has still not made her decision regarding the definition of regions, nearly 12 months after the applications have been submitted. Will the Minister at least ensure that a helpline is made available so that applicants can resolve any outstanding queries, considering that 11% of applications are under query? No one can get through to Port Laoise. The situation is in a mess because of the mid-term transfer of the single farm payment and the impact of staff and payment facilities being transferred from Davitt House to Port Laoise. Even at this late stage I ask the Minister to provide information and the means of access to that information.

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