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

It is clear that everyone, including the Taoiseach, is very conscious of the situation farmers are in but, unfortunately, nothing has been done for them. That is the problem. Some 15% of low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS, payments are due to be paid to farmers from the middle of May onwards. I ask that those payments be brought forward and paid now. That would amount to €500 or €600 for most farmers, which is not a great deal of money. I understand there are regulations and that inspections are meant to take place before that happens but they can be set aside in the current emergency circumstances. It is a simple thing that can be done now to relieve this situation and get a cheque in the post to farmers by the end of this week. I implore the Taoiseach to make that happen.

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