Computer glitch to cause a delay in payments
A computer glitch could mean that farmers could have difficulties in making their application for the new Basic Payment Scheme – formerly the Single Farm Payment.
Farmers who wanted to make ‘early bird’ applications discovered to their horror that the Department website crashed a couple of times before they were eventually successful.
Applications for the scheme close on May 29 but there are fears that the system may collapse if there are a glut of activity on the website on the final days.
One farmer told Farming Tribune that it was his first time to apply online as he had normally submitted his applications in hard copies and had posted them.
“I wanted to get my application out of the way and when I went to get it done online, something happened to the website and it crashed. It took more than half an hour before my application went through”, he said.
Galway East TD Paul Connaughton jnr said that a nightmare situation could develop in the days running up to the closure of applications if there were similar problems.
The BPS also includes the application for the old Disadvantaged Area Scheme which is now known as the Areas of Natural Constraint. Deputy Connaughton said he shuddered to think what would happen when thousands of farmers go to use this system in coming weeks and particularly in the run up to the May 29 deadline.
“This is the most vital farm payment of all”, said Deputy Connaughton. “As most farmers have to make a living from the cheque in the post and I will be in contact as a matter of urgency with the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney about this matter.
“I believe that unless better access can be created to the Department’s website, there will be mayhem all over the country”, he added.
Deputy Connaughton said that because applications were also being sought from farmers for the new GLAS scheme (old REPS and AEOS schemes), the Department’s website will be red hot when some 30,000 farmers or more apply for this scheme, which has a deadline of May 22 next.
The Fine Gael TD said that because of the transition from the Single Farm Payment to the new Basic Payment Scheme, farmers should be extra vigilant and should seek professional help in the filling up of their applications if any doubt exists concerning matters relating to eligibility rules.