GLAS scheme awaiting European approval

GLAS — the Department of Agriculture’s new agri environmental scheme — is awaiting final approval from the European Commission in Brussels as part of the Rural Development Programme — 2014 to 2020.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney told the Dáil his officials have very recently received observations from the commission on the draft programme and will respond to those as soon as possible.

He had been asked by Deputy Michelle Mulherin if he would confirm the start-up date for the scheme.