Skip to main content
Normal View

Disadvantaged Areas Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 February 2014

Thursday, 27 February 2014

Questions (222, 223, 224)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

222. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who were disqualified from the 2012 and 2013 disadvantaged area scheme because they did not have 0.3 LU in 2011 and had 0.15 LU/ha in 2011; the total saving that was achieved by this rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10092/14]

View answer

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

223. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the required stocking density to qualify for the 2011 disadvantaged area scheme; the reason for this stocking density; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10093/14]

View answer

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

224. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the required stocking density in 2012 to qualify for the 2012 disadvantaged area scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10094/14]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 to 224, inclusive, together.

It is widely recognised that the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is a very important one for this country, as the total area designated as disadvantaged is almost 75% of Ireland’s total land area. From an economic perspective, the Scheme is particularly significant, contributing to the support of some 95,000 farm families, whose ability to farm is restricted by the physical environment and, in particular, the impact of the prevailing wet cold climatic conditions.

The budgeted expenditure under the 2012 Scheme was reduced from €220 million to €190 million and, in order to achieve the necessary saving in expenditure, specific changes to the Scheme eligibility criteria for 2012 were introduced. Making these technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria ensured that the aid payment is focused on farmers whose farming enterprises are situated exclusively in Less Favoured Areas and who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme.

There was no reduction in the maximum area payable – 34 hectares. The changes were designed to ensure that the payments under the Scheme are focused on those farmers who (i) are farming exclusively in Disadvantaged Areas, (ii) make a significant contribution to the maintenance of a viable rural community and (iii) contribute to the enhancement of the environment.

A robust appeals process was instituted, with those farmers affected by the requirement under the 2012 Scheme to have achieved a minimum stocking density on their holding in 2011 of 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare to apply for derogation. This process included initial internal review within my Department, the subsequent right of appeal to the independently-chaired DAS Appeals Committee and thereafter to the Office of the Ombudsman.

The number of farmers, who did not meet the 0.3 livestock unit per hectare in 2011 and, who were not eligible for a derogation, was 1,540. These farmers were paid €2.4 million in 2011.

Applicants under the 2011 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme were required to have met a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per hectare for a minimum retention period of three consecutive months.

Applicants under the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme were required to have met (i) a minimum stocking of 0.3 in 2011 and (ii) a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units for a minimum retention period of six consecutive months in 2012.

Top
Share