My question relates to payments under the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme, GLAS. In particular, I refer to the criterion that applicants cut hay from 1 July. Apparently the criterion states that if they cut hay prior to that, there will be penalties affecting their entitlement. I understand that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine said there was no regulation to that effect in the House yesterday. Will the Taoiseach confirm whether penalties will be imposed on applicants for GLAS payments who cut their hay today, tomorrow or Saturday? I ask particularly in light of the fact that the weather is so good. It is necessary to get an answer between now and Tuesday or Wednesday.

As I said to the House yesterday, there is no law or regulation prohibiting farmers from cutting hay before 1 July. The traditional hay meadow aspect of the GLAS scheme is voluntary and farmers opt into it. It is a voluntary action and it is part of the voluntary scheme. If farmers choose this action, they are compensated at a rate of €315 per ha, up to a maximum of 10 ha. The farmers can opt out of it if they so wish.