Clare T.D. and Minister Tony Killeen is reminding Clare farmers that the closing date for applications to the 2010 Single Payment Scheme is Monday May 17 next.
Minister Killeen said that farmers could for the first time register their applications online using the Department of Agriculture’s online application facility, SPS iNet. He added that the facility provided for applications to be lodged by individual farmers or their nominated approved Agents.
He continued: “I am pleased to see that the momentum is being maintained as regards iNET, particularly given the attractiveness of the system to Single Payment applicants. In the course of only three years, the level of on-line applications has risen dramatically, from 7,500 in 2007 to 35,000 in 2009. This is further clear evidence of the ongoing very strong commitment of the Department to maximising new technology, to the clear benefit of farmers”.
Minister Killeen said that farmers could for the first time register their applications online using the Department of Agriculture’s online application facility, SPS iNet. He added that the facility provided for applications to be lodged by individual farmers or their nominated approved Agents.
He continued: “I am pleased to see that the momentum is being maintained as regards iNET, particularly given the attractiveness of the system to Single Payment applicants. In the course of only three years, the level of on-line applications has risen dramatically, from 7,500 in 2007 to 35,000 in 2009. This is further clear evidence of the ongoing very strong commitment of the Department to maximising new technology, to the clear benefit of farmers”.
Minister Killeen noted that those who submit their applications on-line are much more likely to have their applications cleared for payment more quickly, because of this aspect of the on-line system.
“Analysis of the issues which delay processing of applications shows that a very high percentage are delayed because of basic errors or omissions on the part of the applicant. However, it has been possible to construct the on-line facility with a series of compulsory fields and built-in validations, which dramatically reduces the level of these types of error, simply by refusing to allow the applicant to make the error in the first instance. Unfortunately, such an option is not available with the traditional paper application”, he added.
Minister Killeen confirmed that in addition to the almost 25,000 farmers who are registered with the Department to use the on-line facility, a similar number have also availed of the option to have an approved designated Agent lodge their application via the on-line system on their behalf.
The closing date for receipt of applications under the 2010 Schemes is 17 May 2010, regardless of whether applications are submitted on-line or the traditional paper application. New entrants are advised to contact any of the Department’s Offices, or to consult the Department’s website.
