Farmers urged to make better use of online services
Minister Simon Coveney told Fianna Fáil TD Seamus Kirk in a written reply to a Dáil question his commitment is to reduce the level of paperwork and the time needed to fill in applications, while at the same time reducing errors and allowing for speedier service delivery.
With specific regard to the direct aid schemes, including single payment and disadvantaged areas, which annually account for payments over €1.5bn, he said that his Department’s iNet system is constantly upgraded.
Mr Coveney said there are a variety of benefits in using iNet, including an online mapping element. This lets farmers, or their agents, who need to submit maps to the department, to do so through iNet, thereby dispensing with the need to submit paper maps. Over 13,000 maps were submitted online in 2013.
Other benefits of iNet include immediate acknowledgement of receipt of applications by the department, a significant reduction in the ability to make simple clerical errors, due to the built-in system of controls, and the ability to view maps and correspondence.
In 2013, over 73,000 applications were submitted online, representing a 10-fold increase since iNet was launched.
Mr Coveney urged anyone considering availing of the online facility to make enquiries via the website, www.agfood.ie or, the dedicated Helpdesk at lo-call 1890 252 118.
