Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 329: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding changes in respect of acceptable proof of postage of the 2011 single farm payment scheme application forms in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10524/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The submission of annual Single Payment applications, amendments forms and applications relating to the transfer of entitlements or the National Reserve are subject to strict closing dates set down in EU Regulations. The submission by 16 May 2011 of the Single Payment Scheme application form and associated documentation is an essential requirement for all farmers in order to benefit from their entitlements under the various Direct Payment Schemes, which are valued at some €1.8 billion per annum. As a service to my Department's clients a Swift Post receipt is attached to each return envelope sent to farmers with the pre-printed Single Payment application form.

Arising from certain difficulties encountered relating to the late receipt of various applications and other documentation, my Department, acting in conformity with good administrative practice, has taken a decision that a certificate of posting will no longer be accepted as proof that an application was actually posted in time to reach my Department by the closing date.

Proof of postage must now be either a Swift Post receipt or a Registered Post receipt. In addition, many thousands of farmers are submitting using my Department's online facility and receive an immediate confirmation of receipt when the application is filed. It is also open to farmers to hand in their application forms at any of the Department's public offices where they will be issued with a written acknowledgement, if they so request.