A number of EU member states made requests for an extension to the the deadline for applications EU aid for farmers. Changes to their administrative systems for handling applications had affected farmers' ability to submit the claims on time.

Their wish has now been granted and the deadline has been extended from 15 May to 15 June.

The measure applies to both applications for direct payments to farmers and for claims for funding under national rural development programmes.

Commissioner Hogan stressed that while the extension had been granted to allow the claims and applications to be made in time, the member states that decide to take up the option to postpone the final date for submission must still ensure that rules on sound financial management are respected.

The Irish Department of Agriculture has not yet confirmed it will avail of the deadline extension.

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