Vol. 513 No. 3
150 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the changes, if any, to be introduced under the extensification grant scheme where animals are locked up due to tuberculosis in relation to the exemption clause on stocking density for applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2215/00]
The EU regulations do not provide for exceptions being made for farmers who, because of restrictions on movement of animals imposed under the TB and brucellosis eradication schemes, exceed their normal stocking densities and as a result lose extensification premium. This problem can arise for farmers who opt for the census system for extensification as well as for those farmers who opt for the simplified system.
My Department is currently considering whether a solution to the whole problem in regard to extensification premium caused by TB and brucellosis restrictions can be found.
