Mary Wallace (Meath, Fianna Fail)

For 2005, approximately 100 cases remain outstanding, 99.9% of applicants already having received their entitlements. In those 100 cases, we await documentation. It is important to state that every effort is made to process applications as quickly as possible, but when it comes to transfer, they must be accompanied by the appropriate documentation, such as the copy of the deed of transfer or the lease agreement. In over 50% of cases, the required documentation was not furnished with the original application, thus necessitating further contact with the parties involved. In fairness, departmental officials are following people up to assist them in collating the documentation.

The closing date for 2006 was 16 May, but we received applications right up to Christmas. We were very flexible with the date and certain of those of whom the Deputy has spoken may have applied to us quite late as a result. Some 6,000 people applied for transfers in 2006, but 2,300 of them did so after the closing date, many of them in the weeks before Christmas. The application forms are not only available on the website but in our local offices and the Teagasc offices. If there is a Teagasc adviser who does not know that the forms are in its offices, perhaps we should be told about that.

If the Deputy wishes to raise particular cases, we will be delighted to help as we wish to assist such people. From the Department's perspective, it has been a great success story, with 99.9% of people paid for 2005. Despite all I have said to the Deputy regarding 2006, 97% of applicants have received their payments. It has been a great success and if there is an isolated case with which the Deputy would like us to assist, we would appreciate his informing us.

See this speech in context