Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister of State said, a small number have been affected. The number I have is 800 applications. I assume they are 2014 applications as distinct from 2013. Taking away 300 leaves 500. This could have changed in the days since I received the information. It is encouraging that it will be resolved and that the technical issue regarding the mapping feature in GLAS will also be resolved today. If it is not resolved by the end of the year but takes some time into next year to resolve it, I hope no penalties or loss of entitlements will be imposed on applicants for this year. It is essential that they have the understanding and certainty that if it is not resolved between now and 31 December but runs over, it will not affect the top-up to which the applicants are entitled.

The other issue with the delay in processing is that it prevents young farmers from applying for GLAS, given that the computer system will not allow GLAS farmers to submit applications for unprocessed partnerships. Unprocessed partnerships that have not been processed cannot be submitted through the computer system. Maybe it is part of the technical hitch. If so, I welcome that it will be examined.

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