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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

218 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if the Government has made a decision in relation to the REP scheme for people who had no stock in 1998. [8632/02]

I take the question to relate to farmers with commonage land who had no stock in 1998, and their eligibility for quota following the publication of the commonage framework plans.

All farmers in REPS with commonage will be required to abide by the provisions of the particular framework plans for their commonages. These plans will determine the level of stock they may carry. The stocking level will be calculated on the basis of their 2001 quota, including any quota frozen in the 30% interim destocking or quota frozen under the first rural environmental protection scheme. There will be cases in which environmental or social considerations, such as the setting up of young farmers, would justify the giving out of quota to farmers who have none at present. I am drawing up plans for the use of surrendered quota, i.e. quota returned to the national reserve on a particular commonage when farmers die or leave farming, for this purpose. My Department will examine each case on its merits and will take account of the recommendations of the relevant commonage framework plans.

However, in relation to "dormant" commonage shares no quota can be allocated unless prior agreement is got from the European Commission to a change in the rules. As announced, I intend seeking such an agreement from the European Commission at the mid-term review.

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