Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister says he will draw down all the funding from Europe under this scheme. He consistently sticks to that line. However, the rural development programme is co-funded. It has a European element and that is co-funded from the Exchequer. The Minister is very deliberately talking about what he is going to draw down from Europe. The reality is totally different from what the Minister is presenting. Need I remind the Minister again that the former Minister, Deputy Coveney, promised more than €1.4 billion? I have the press releases with me from the Irish Farmers' Association, IFA, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association, ICMSA, the Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers' Association, ICSA, the Irish Farmers' Journaland, importantly, from the then Minister, Deputy Coveney, that promise more than €1.4 billion and €250 million per year. This year GLAS is at its maximum and only €214 million is being spent. When that is rolled out to the end of 2021, and that means rolling it into the next rural development programme and allowing every farmer currently in GLAS to be paid every penny due to him or her under the scheme, the maximum that will amount to will be almost €250 million less than the more than €1.4 billion promised by the former Minister, Deputy Coveney. That is the reality. Either Deputy Coveney sold a pup and misled the farming community and the farming press when he announced the GLAS scheme or this Minister is underspending and failing to deliver on his commitment. Which is it? It is time to step up, be honest and let farmers know the situation.

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