ULSTER Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has, in his own words, raised a “mundane” issue during Question Time with Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill.

“We are back to more mundane, agricultural issues in my question,” quipped the Fermanagh-south Tyrone MLA as he asked Minister O’Neill if she intended to install a new IT system to assist with making single farm payments.

Minister O’Neill told the House: “We have to put our new payment system in place because of the changes to CAP reform and the fact that the payment process will be different. We have to take that forward. We were not successful in the bid, but that does not mean that we will not do it. The money is now going to have to be found from within the Department’s budget because it is a necessary part of us being able to get payments out to farmers on a timely basis.” Mr. Elliott said: “We are coming close to the start of the payment system for the single farm payment. Will not having the new IT system in place now impact on farmers, particularly those who had inspections this year and further delay their receipt of the single farm payment?” Responding, Minister O’Neill said: “I give the Member an assurance that the 93 per cent target that we set will be met. That will not be impacted on by the budget position; it has more to do with the changes post-2015. This year, we are on course to meet the target that I set. My aim is to pay the majority of people in December.”