To date, there are 36,000 GLAS participants who have received 2017 advance payments, according to Department figures. The total value of these payments is €124m, with €12m issuing in the last week up to December 15.

“The Department is currently reviewing all GLAS cases where issues have arisen that have impacted on the GLAS participant’s payment. Further payments will issue this week and payments will continue as cases pass the suite of checks required before payment can issue,” according to a Department spokesperson.

This means that there are still approximately 14,500 farmers who are yet to receive 2017 advance payments.

“Many of the cases that have not been paid could not be paid, as a nutrient management plan (NMP) had not been submitted by advisers in respect of GLAS I and II participants,” the spokesperson said.

“In cases with commonages, a commonage management plan (CMP) has not been submitted by the participant’s adviser. In addition, annual Low Emission Slurry Spreading forms have not been returned or they were not correct. Also rare breed forms are outstanding in many cases that include these actions.

“The remaining cases are currently being checked against the Department’s databases and once these cases pass validation checks will be included in future payment runs. Where action is needed by the participant concerned, the Department will be in direct contact with them.”

As of 15 December, there were still 2,200 NMPs outstanding, while there were also 1,750 CMPs also outstanding.

GLAS records

With GLAS inspections ongoing it is important to ensure all record sheets for the scheme are up to date. You must record the LPIS number where actions were carried out. Each GLAS action has a section in the sheet and different information will be required depending on the action carried out. For example, for bird boxes, the sheets look for the LPIS number, the number of boxes installed and maintenance carried out, if any, including date of installation of boxes. All record sheets should be retained for the duration of the contract.