Vol. 572 No. 6
170 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he intends introducing an appeals procedure arising from the mid-term rural reform proposals for the Common Agricultural Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23891/03]
My Department intends to establish a single payment entitlement for each farmer based on the average number of animals – or hectares in the case of arable aid – eligible for payment of premium during the three year reference period 2000 to 2002. Details of the single payment entitlement will be notified to individual farmers during 2004. The EU Council regulation provides that a farmer whose production was adversely affected during the reference period by a case of force majeure or exceptional circumstances shall be entitled to request that the reference amount be calculated on the basis of the calendar year or years in the reference period not affected by these circumstances. Farmers will be given a specific deadline by which to notify my Department of force majeure or exceptional circumstances. Each case will be examined on its merits. The arrangements to cover appeals under the single payment scheme will also be examined.
