Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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11. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if payments to organic farmers processed in the Athenry office, County Galway, will be issued before Christmas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48388/14]

Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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It has been brought to my attention that organic farmers are experiencing problems with receipt of payments, particularly in County Roscommon and western counties. There is a serious problem in Athenry at the moment and it seems the person responsible for signing off on payments in Castlebar is not doing his or her work. Can the Minister update me on whether these farmers will receive payment before Christmas?

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy is concerned that a farmer in the organic scheme may not be able to avail of GLAS. I think it has been clarified that a farmer in the organic scheme can avail of GLAS.

Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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A farmer with less than 10 hectares of land cannot avail of GLAS.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I will clarify that matter for the Deputy, but my general point is that organic farmers are welcome in GLAS.

Regarding the Deputy's question on organic farmers and the Athenry office, I am advised by my Department officials that an industrial dispute at local office level has developed in recent days and, unfortunately, this is delaying the processing of organic farm payments in some local offices. This is a most regrettable development at a time when plans for the required payment run were at an advanced stage. I understand that a consultation process is under way and that every effort is being made to resolve the issue. I will take a personal interest in this matter to see that it is resolved as quickly as possible.

Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Christmas is coming, and many of the people to whom we refer are not in the agri-environment options scheme, AEOS, so this is the only payment they will receive. I ask that some of the money be forwarded to them, as it could make it a happy Christmas. Otherwise they will have to simply wait.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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The Minister can be like Santa Claus.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I work in the political area. As I said, there is an industrial relations issue at the heart of this and it does not have a political solution. I will try to ensure that payments are received as quickly as possible.