Austin Deasy
Question:303 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if he will seek to have a full review of the disadvantaged areas scheme; and if so, when it is scheduled to take place. [27015/01]
Written Answers. - Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.
Following a thorough review of the area-based compensatory allowance scheme, proposals have been submitted to the European Commission for increased payment rates for farmers with mountain-type land. The proposal involves making a payment of £80 per hectare on the first ten hectares of mountain-type land with a payment of £70 per hectare on each remaining hectare subject to an overall payment ceiling of 45 hectares. Subject to securing the necessary EU approval it is intended that the revised payment rates will take effect in the current year.