Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would certainly encourage farmers to submit their nutrient management plans. They have been given notice and now have an opportunity to do so. While the Minister is keen to focus on that aspect of the requirements, he is not so keen to delve into the handling by his Department and himself of the commonage management plan process and the facility for submitting plans. As he pointed out, the button for making submissions did not go live until 12 October, yet the deadline for submitting plans was 31 October or less than three weeks later. The problem lies primarily with the Department. Its inability to get its information technology system up and running and available to farmers has led to the current difficulties.

On the Department's administration of the green, low-carbon, agri-environment scheme, GLAS, it is unfortunate that every time a hurdle appears, the Minister and his Department, rather than getting their preparation and strides right, run straight into it and take several attempts and considerable time to get over it. This was evident last year when many farmers were left waiting for ages and we are now seeing it again. Will a facility be provided to pay farmers the 85% advance payment while the commonage management plans are being submitted?

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