Proposals for the CAP reform post 2013 were published by the European Commission in October 2011 and negotiations are ongoing. Unfortunately, it is still too early to predict what the finer detail of any agreement will be. However, there is provision in the published regulation for dealing with inheritance of entitlements in cases such as that outlined by the Deputy. The conditions pertaining to such inheritance will be laid down in Commission implementing regulations.
I can assure the Deputy that since the start of these negotiations I have been to the forefront at EU level in supporting the cause of young farmers and new entrants and I will continue to do so throughout the negotiations. In this context, the Commission proposals contain a provision for making top-up payment to young farmers (under 40 years) and I fully support this proposal. I will also continue to consult with farming organisations and stakeholders as the negotiations progress.