Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 5

Written Answers. - Farm Holdings.

Ulick Burke

Question:

108 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farms in existence prior of 30 June 1992 which have had herd and flock numbers amalgamated since that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20622/98]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

The position is that under Article 2.2 of Commission Regulation 3887/92 my Department must satisfy itself that where new holdings are created after 30 June 1992 they are in fact legitimate entities managed separately from existing holdings and that holdings which existed prior to 1992 are not split into two or more holdings with the sole purpose of avoiding individual limits on eligibility for premiums. In general, therefore, where two holdings existed separately prior to June 1992 they would not be amalgamated under the provisions of regulation 3887/92.

However, cases will arise form time to time where it may be necessary to amalgamate two herd numbers which existed separately prior to 30 June 1992. For example, on the death of a herd owner a holding is transferred to offspring or to another person who already has a herd number of his or her own. In such circumstances the two herd numbers would be amalgamated where it is clear that the two farms are being operated as one individual unit. It would not be possible to put a figure on the number of such cases dealt with since 1992.