Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

210. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the adjustments that are being made to allow the many farmers with joint herd numbers, to complete their applications for the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, which have been delayed due to the inability of his Department's software to accommodate same; the way such farmers are to be placed on the scheme's planners' schedules in the quickest possible time frame; the further steps that are required to enable this; the extension that will be made to the deadline for farmers whose applications have thereby been delayed through no fault of their own; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17471/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The GLAS online system is a very powerful computer system which provides advisors with the tools to prepare detailed and accurate farm-plans for their clients. The system has no difficulty in accommodating applications from farmers with joint herd numbers.

However, all farmers intending to join the GLAS scheme, including those with joint herd numbers, must first be linked to a GLAS advisor to allow access to their information on relevant Department databases. To enable linking to take place the joint herd owners must first complete and submit a form (DAFM Auth 1) in which both parties authorise the Department to create the necessary link. Once this link has been established there is no difficulty in preparing a GLAS application on their behalf.

I have already extended the closing date from the 30 April 2015 to the 22 May 2015 and I do not envisage any further extension to that. I have also indicated that the scheme will open for a second Tranche of applications in the Autumn.