A farming union has told of its frustration by the "slow progress" made in getting financial aid to Northern Irish farmers who were severely affected by the flooding in August this year.
The flash floods which hit Northern Ireland on 22 August forced many farmers to assess the damage it made to their businesses.
A number of farmers lost livestock or suffered damage to farmland or properties. For example, tens of thousands of chickens were killed in the floods.
It led the Northern Ireland Agriculture Department (DAERA) to announce in August that it will seek permission from the EU to allow it to raise the level of advanced CAP payment made in October from 50% to 70%.
However, the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) said that there have been numerous discussions with government officials in chasing the financial aid, but the absence of a Stormont Minister makes it "all the more difficult".
The Northern Ireland Executive collapsed after deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness resigned in protest over the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal.
UFU president Barclay Bell explained: “No decision can be made in terms of a locally administered compensation scheme. Yet another thing to add to the ever growing list of reasons why we need the NI Executive up and running again.”
DAERA has however confirmed that they have explored various options and have narrowed this down to a possible nationally funded De Minimis Aid package.
It said they are working on having a business case ready for a Minister to consider and if one is appointed then a decision can be made quickly.
“This will be of little comfort to those who are dealing with complete devastation on their farm and we continue to press DAERA for a more timely solution. The lack of an Executive is hampering getting help to where it is needed, and sadly this is common experience across all government departments at the moment,” said Mr Bell.
