A total of €31m has been issued to GLAS particpants to date this year, according to the latest figures from the Department of Agriculture. This represents 97% of eligible participants, according to the Department, and payment runs are continuing on an ongoing basis.

Some 2,300 GLAS applicants are not currently eligible for a payment due to issues with submission of Nutrient Management Plans, Low Emission Slurry Spreading Forms, Commonage Management Plans and Rare Breeds Records (See Table 1).

“I know from engagement with farmers that many are still waiting for payment,” said Fianna Fáil agricultural spokesperson Charlie McConologue. “As far as they can see they have nothing outstanding and they rightly feel that it is unjust that they’ve spent the money, filled out the forms, and been left hanging by the Department.”

Meanwhile, payments to GLAS trainers to the value of €7.8m has been issued so far.

"Each GLAS I and II participant who has not done so must attend a training course immediately if not already completed. A text message reminder issued last week. No further payments will issue to GLAS I and II participants until training is completed," a statement from the Department reads. GLAS III participants have until the end of December to complete their training.

Weekly updates on GLAS payments will be issued each Friday by the Department. GLAS participants and farmers with queries can contact (0761) 064451 or email glas@agriculture.gov.ie

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As revealed in this week's Irish Farmers Journal, 4,000 farmers were waiting for GLAS payments. But the Department has said that some 2,300 are ineligible for payment due to paperwork issues.