500. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason specific payment rates are not provided for all Natura areas based on costs and restrictions imposed under the new GLAS proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34673/14]
View answerThe proposed GLAS payment rates for Natura land are based on costs incurred and income foregone. In the case of particular farmland bird species, where additional actions are required for the protection of the species, the relevant costs involved have been calculated and are payable to the GLAS participants who undertake those actions. All GLAS costings have been independently verified by Teagasc and have been submitted to the European Commission for approval as part of the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020.
