Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

The deadline of 17 May is looming. There are cases to be considered in the Department in respect of single farm payments and the agri-environment options scheme and some in respect of REPS 4. Some of those who applied to join REPS 4 did so over 12 months ago and have had no communication whatsoever from the Department. They expect, in the coming days, to receive a reply indicating in some fashion that their applications are deficient. They will have to return the applications through their planners by 17 May.

One should bear in mind the planners are working night and day to make single farm payment submissions and they are trying to deal with new applicants under the agri-environment options scheme. Some applications for REPS 4 have been with the Department for over 12 months. There is a small handful of cases nationwide. Can there be some leniency in those cases? If planners are logistically unable to submit all the applications and paperwork to the Department by 17 May, farmers will be the losers, through no fault of the planners. The planners submitted the applications in good faith over 12 months ago and have heard nothing from the Department.

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