Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 January 2014
200. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the new rural development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3353/14]
View answerAs part of the decisions associated with the Direct Payments I recently announced, I have decided that the payments received under the 2014 Grassland Sheep Scheme will be incorporated into the calculation of an individual’s entitlement value in 2015.
Further support for this vital sector is maintained in the overall CAP package, including the following measures under the RDP:
- provision is made to improve efficiency and profitability in sheep production is made under the Knowledge Transfer, and
- Capital funding for the sector will be available under the capital investment measures.
These measures will be in addition to the new GLAS environmental scheme and payments for farmers in Areas of Natural Constraint of which I expect sheep farmers to be substantial beneficiaries.
