Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture, Éamon Ó Cuív TD, has called on Minister Simon Coveney to pay out the Disadvantage Area Scheme (DAS) payment in early September.

Deputy Ó Cuív said there is no specific regulatory payment date for the DAS and therefore there is no reason that payments cannot start on the scheme in the near future.

“It is imperative that all farmers should be contacted immediately where the department have detected any difficulty with their application so that the issues in contention can be resolved immediately,” said Deputy Ó Cuív.

“Many farmers do not receive money until a very late date because of issues that arise during the clarification process of applications. This year has been a year of very, very significant hardship for farmers and it is absolutely vital that the department give every assistance they can to farmers to meet their commitments.”

According to the Department of Agriculture this afternoon, it is not yet confirmed what date the Disadvantage Area Scheme will be paid out.