Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 1 Jul 1999

Vol. 507 No. 4

Written Answers. - Agenda 2000.

Donal Moynihan

Question:

30 Mr. D. Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the administrative changes to be imposed on farmers in the context of the implementation of Agenda 2000; the plans, if any, being put in place to deal with them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16537/99]

The administrative requirements on farmers resulting from the implementation of CAP schemes are normally set out in the implementing rules adopted by the European Commission within the framework of each of the relevant Council regulations. The implementing rules arising from the Council regulations governing Agenda 2000 have not yet been adopted, except in the case of the regulation on support for rural development from the European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund. However, in that case further transitional arrangements for the major rural development schemes have still to be worked out. It is expected that most of the implementing rules, including transitional arrangements, will be finalised by the end of July 1999. My Department's input at EU level into the various implementation arrangements is based on the principle that administrative requirements should be kept to the minimum consistent with proper controls. The national arrangements for implementation can be determined only when the implementing rules are finalised at EU level. It is my intention that the administrative requirements, when decided, will be fully explained to farmers. With that objective in mind, I am arranging for my Department to carry out an information campaign for the benefit of farmers in the autumn.

Top
Share