Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2014
308. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the provision he has made for all donkeys which will not be eligible for inclusion in the stocking density calculation for 2015 as most farmers will not want to keep them and the donkey sanctuaries will be at full capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47912/14]
View answerUnder the new Rural Development Plan 2015-2020, it is proposed that under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme 2015, holdings of eligible applicants will be required to maintain a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units for a minimum retention period of seven consecutive months, in addition to maintaining an annual average of 0.15 livestock units calculated over the twelve months of the 2015 Scheme year. Donkeys will continue to be eligible for inclusion in the stocking density calculation where the animals in question are appropriately registered in the name of the applicant and maintained on his/her holding. The premises of all who meet these criteria must be registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in accordance Control on Places where Horses are Kept Regulations 2014 (S.I. 113 of 2014).
