Vol. 541 No. 3
91 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the reason land in County Mayo which was previously described as lowland and mountain type land is now being classified as mountain type land only under the area based payments scheme; and if he will investigate this matter. [22563/01]
92 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the body which determined that land in County Mayo is mountain type or lowland when dealing with area based payments; and if this land classification will be re-examined. [22564/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 92 together.
In 1997, a review of mountain type grazing lands for sheep headage purposes in the more severely handicapped areas and the less severely handicapped areas was carried out by my Department. All land classified as mountain type grazing was subsequently identified as such on the land parcel identification system. This designation as mountain type grazing suited most farmers, especially those engaged in sheep production, allowing them to be paid headage grants on mountain type ewes. However, in designating the areas concerned on the land parcel identification system regard had to be had to certain natural boundaries such as rivers and roads and it was not possible to exclude certain farms where sheep production did not take place.
The area based compensatory allowance scheme agreed in July 2000 provides for payment of £45 per hectare up to 60 hectares of mountain type land. This scheme is currently under review with a view to finding the most equitable arrangements with particular reference to farmers with mountain type land.
