Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 June 2014
133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will outline any particularly sensitive issue arising in relation to revised farm support payments emanating from the Common Agricultural Policy reform; the extent to which he expects to reach agreement in regard to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26524/14]
View answerThe core issue arising from the reform of the Direct Payments related to the redistribution of available funds between those who historically held high value entitlements and those who held low value entitlements. This issue has been resolved in a fair and equitable manner through the development of the ‘Internal Convergence Model’ which has been widely advertised and explained.
However, in the case of direct payments, the new Direct Payment Regulation provides for significant benefits to persons who meet the definition of ‘young farmer’ both in terms of eligibility under the National Reserve and in participation in the Young Farmers Scheme. I am very conscious of the group of young persons who were unable to avail of the Young Farmers’ Installation Scheme, due to its suspension in October 2008, and who are also excluded from the benefits of being a ‘young farmer’ under the new CAP reform due to the requirement that such farmers must have established their holding within five years of their first application under the Basic Payment Scheme. I am actively investigating alternative options of assisting this group of farmers.
