Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Considering the performance of the Minister, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, today, he might consider becoming the third man, if the Ceann Comhairle knows what I mean.

The programme for Government devotes a lot of time to farming matters, which is important because they affect the lives of every one of us. One concerns inspections, appeals and TAMS. Reference was made to fairness, transparency and the farmers' charter. In respect of TAMS, 11,800 farmers applied to participate in the scheme, of whom 8,440 have been approved. A considerable number of payments have been delayed. I am raising the issue because the delays are causing a lot of stress for farm families. Deputy Charlie McConalogue has dealt with the issue on our side of the House. We have been told there is an IT issue and if that is the case, it is not good enough. Will the Government consider a plan B? If there is an IT issue, it should have a fund from which to make payments and remove the stress and recoup the money when the IT system has been repaired.

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