Creed announces flexibilities on DAFM schemes in response to COVID-19 issues
Ó An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
Ó An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
The Minster for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, today confirmed a number of flexibilities to schemes run by his department in response to COVID-19 issues. These flexibilities are being introduced to make it easier for farmers and their agents to continue to participate in these important schemes where difficulties arise from the current public health restrictions in place.
The Minister commented:
"Obviously public health measures are our priority concern right now but it’s essential that farming continues at this time and the schemes run by my department are important in delivering some of the key productivity and environmental outputs from Irish farms. I have introduced some flexibilities to the scheme arrangements to reflect the fact that certain practices are not possible at this time and alternative arrangements are required.”
The list of flexibilities include:
Normally 10 day deadlines for GLAS records following inspection – flexibility has already been given here with the DAFM document request latter amended to reflect this.
The Minister also drew attention to the additional flexibilities he has introduced with regard to TB testing arrangements where his department continues to seek to facilitate farmers in continuing efforts to eradicate TB and undertake testing as required, while also facilitating the continuation of animal movements and the continuity of all elements of the food supply. The overriding principle in all situations is that the health and safety of farmers, vets, service providers, contractors, other staff and their families is paramount.
Finally the Minister also reminded farmers and agents that his department has established a COVID-19 helpline line which can be reached at 076 1064468
ENDS
The COVID-19 helpline is open from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 5pm Monday to Friday.
The department has also published a set of Frequently Asked Questions on the Coronavirus/COVID-19 section of the department’s website at www.agriculture.gov.ie/customerservice/coronaviruscovid-19.