Concerns over single farm payment
President Thomas Honner said Macra had been contacted by a number of young farmers who had applied under the new entrant scheme and were concerned they were being left in the dark about entitlements for 2005.
“While I fully accept that the department is under pressure with the huge number of issues still to be resolved under the new regime, many new entrants to farming who have applied for favourable averaging or to inherit entitlements have not yet received any indication as to what the outcome of their applications will be,” he said.
Mr Honner said frustrations were increasing because farmers were finding it difficult to get through to the department on the dedicated LoCall phone number 1890 200 566.
The situation was causing problems for farmers who were trying to make plans for 2005.
“There are commercial decisions regarding land leasing and stock purchases which have to be made,” he said.
“These farmers are finding themselves at a disadvantage because of a lack of clarity about what their entitlements will be under the new regime.”
Mr Honner said he was aware that many department officials were working around the clock processing applications.
More personnel and resources were needed to ensure that, at the very least, those who applied before the October 29 cut-off date were informed of the outcome of the process as soon as possible.
