ACRES scheme "an absolute shambles" - Harkin

A Sligo Leitrim TD has described the administration of the ACRES scheme as an absolute shambles.Under the scheme, many farmers have only received interim payments, instead of the full amounts promised under the Acres agreement.Two years into the scheme and for many, especially for hill-farmers, the scoring process attached to the scheme has not been completed and they are said to have no idea how much and when they are due to be paid.Independent Deputy Marian Harkin described the current situation as a total mess and is urging Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue to sort it out.