O'Neill confirms SAF deadline remains 16 May 2016

The European Commission has announced its intention to permit EU Member States to extend the deadline for the submission of Single Application Forms by up to one month.

Announcing her decision, Minister O’Neill said: “I have considered this issue carefully and have decided that the deadline will remain 16 May 2016. We are well advanced in terms of applications being received this year, with more submitted than at the same time last year. We anticipate this is around one third of the applications we will receive.

“I am also pleased that so far most applications have been received online. If this trend continues with all those who have yet to submit their applications, the target of 70% of applications online will be achieved and DARD should be in a position to make advance payments.”

Applications should be made to DARD by 16 May 2016 although amendments can be made, without penalty, until 31 May 2016.