Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister indicated that we are not ready, but previously he indicated that he expected to be in a position to come forward with the maps in spring of this year. Certainly, that was indicated last year. Then it was changed to early summer. It is now early summer and the Minister has indicated that he is not ready. Can he elaborate on the state of his unreadiness and on the exact position in that regard? There has been no consultation with the farming community yet in terms of the current position of that mapping exercise, nor have any maps been provided. If an extension is granted at European level, and the Minister indicated that it could be for an indefinite period, will the Minister still have to submit the maps by the end of the year? Also, with regard to the €25 million that is committed for next year, will the Minister give a commitment that it will be allocated in a way that reflects the constraints on the lands for which it is being paid? A reform of the current payment system is required to ensure that there are increased payments in cases where lands have more constraints while at the same time ensuring that the valuable role of the ANC payment in the income of up to 100,000 farmers is protected.

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