37. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment under the areas of natural constraint scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35910/15]

No application for the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme has been received to date from the person named. An official from my department has been in contact with the Agricultural Advisor who represents the individual concerned, and the application is in the process of being submitted to the relevant unit.

Upon receipt of the application, it will be processed at the earliest possible date.