Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will also raise the issue concerning the GLAS scheme. As the Minister stated, this affects up to 9,000 farmers who are waiting for their payments. When they come to us and we contact the Department, nine times out of ten we are told there is some stop on the payment but a day or two later it is removed. The issue is usually not on the farmer's side but something in the Department. Many feel that there is something in the Department's IT system that seems to be blocking the payments. Will the Minister confirm that this may be the case? If it is the case, will he accept that a payment delayed is a payment denied? These farmers need to get their money as quickly as possible. What can be done to resolve the issue?

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