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

As Deputy McConalogue said, many people are wondering about this extension being sought by both Ireland and Austria. Is that because there was a view that they would not be able to meet the deadline and there was a delay in trying to get the mapping done and over the line? Ultimately, we are dealing with farmers' money and many farmers are very concerned that they are being kept in the dark on this. I am sure the Minister has been lobbied about this as well. The various farm organisations and individual farmers are anxious to know when the maps will be done, when they will be able to see them and when they will get some certainty as to where all of this is going. Places such as Leitrim, Sligo and west Cavan in my constituency are mountainous areas and they have a serious natural constraint. The hill farmers in particular are concerned about where this is going. Can the Minister give an assurance that this mountain type land will be retained within the scheme? Also, will he respond with regard to the delay that was expected and on why the Minister and the Department considered it necessary to seek an extension?

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