Debt statements on the Super Levy Instalment Scheme were issued in error to a number of dairy farmers by the Department of Agriculture.

The Department has confirmed that the letters were sent out and were dated 3 August.

While there is no confirmation of the number of farmers or co-ops that were affected, the Irish Farmers Journal understands that a number of Glanbia farmers received the letters.

A Department spokesperson said: “These letters were automatically generated and should not have included super levy debt for 2017, for which the collection is ongoing up until the end of September this year, as per the terms of the scheme.

“All milk purchasers operating the Super Levy Instalment Scheme have been notified of this issue.

“The Department will also be in direct contact with the individual dairy farmers concerned to explain the situation and would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.”