Seanad debates

Wednesday, 11 October 2017

10:30 am

Photo of Victor BoyhanVictor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I rise today on an important issue of the recent changes to the GLAS scheme. Many Senators will be familiar with the GLAS scheme. Last week the Irish Farmers' Journalcarried a major story on an immediate change in the GLAS scheme. It is coming into effect immediately. It affects farmers who will no longer be permitted to graze cattle - those who want to have out-wintering stock - in designated areas. They will not be able to feed forage, hay or silage on parcels of land that have been assigned under the low-input permanent pasture scheme under GLAS. I have received representations from local representatives in the following areas: Galway, Roscommon, Mayo, Clare, Offaly, Wicklow and Kerry. They are now seriously concerned. We are in the second week in October. These are farmers who bought into the GLAS 1 and GLAS 2 schemes. They were given grants. They made preparations about out-feeding. They have had no time to put slatted houses or structures in place. There are penalties being introduced with immediate effect. If one has five hectares in the scheme, the penalty will be €1,500. The Teagasc inspectors who these farmers and communities contacted had no idea of it. They, in turn, had to refer to the Irish Farmers' Journalto find out. Clearly, this is an enormous scheme, particularly for farmers in these regional and low-lying areas who are out-feeding their cattle.

There should have been at least a lead-in scheme. What are these farmers saying? I understand some of the reasons it is happening, about compression and about the impact on the land. It is particularly low-lying land in these designated areas. There was agreement entered into under GLAS 1 and 2 for these payments and they should be at least given a lead-in time for change so that structures would be put in place. There was an understanding that the places of fodder would be removed on-site and that is not now addressed.

It is a clear issue. It is the lead in the editorial in the Irish Farmers' Journalagain this week. It is an issue of concern, particularly to small farmers. I ask the Leader if we could have the Minister come and explain the background to it and whether there is any leeway for this year so that there could be a greater lead-in. If one is going to bring in change, particularly to a scheme that farmers have already bought into, they should have some advance notice. From talking to a number of Teagasc officials yesterday, I am aware that they themselves were unaware of a scheme. They are, effectively, meant to be monitoring this scheme in rural areas.

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