I propose to take Questions Nos. 501 and 502 together.
I presume the Deputy’s questions relate to the Department’s analysis of post-2013 CAP reform proposals. The various CAP reform proposals which have emerged have been modelled based on the 2010 Single Payment Scheme (SPS) database of actual payments to farmers in that year, rather than entitlements. This analysis excludes farms of less than three hectares. It should also be noted that farmers who did not apply for SPS in 2010 are not included in this analysis. Bearing in mind those caveats, the table below shows (a) the number of farmers with zero payments in 2010, but with eligible area and (b) the number of farmers with payments of greater than zero but less than €5,000 in 2010.
|
Number of farmers
|
Total area (ha)
|
2010 SPS payment €
|
Zero payment, but with eligible area
|
7,624
|
143,578
|
0
|
Payment greater than 0 and less than €5,000
|
50,337
|
934,628
|
124,451,337
|
Further time will be required to provide the information requested on cattle and sheep numbers relating to these farmers. My Department will communicate with the Deputy when this information is available.