Written Answers Nos. 367-391
367. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide a targeted payment for livestock to supplement income viability for farmers in upland and hill areas that have very limited alternative land use options; his views that €25 million would be the desired allocation in the 2016 budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34196/15]
View answerIn developing the shape of the new system of Direct Payments in Ireland, I have been very conscious of the needs of farmers, in particular those who farm on hill and commonage land. In general, upland and hill farmers are sheep farmers who held low value entitlements under the former Single Payment Scheme. Such farmers will benefit significantly from the model of convergence that is to be applied in Ireland where those with a low Initial Unit Value will see the value of their entitlements increase over the period of the new Basic Payment Scheme.
When determining the Initial Unit Value of a farmer’s entitlements under the Basic Payment Scheme in 2015, Regulation 1307/2013 gives Member States the option to take into account any payment the farmer received in 2014 under schemes such as the Grassland Sheep Scheme. This option is only available where the Member State is not applying voluntary coupled support to the sector concerned under the new CAP. Accordingly, while the legal basis for the former Grassland Sheep Scheme is no longer in place under the new regulations, these payments have been taken into account under the new Basic Payments Scheme.
In addition, in negotiating and developing the new Rural Development Programme, 2014-2020, I have included a number of schemes that will be of direct benefit to the farmers in question. For example, a strong commitment to continuation of funding under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme (formerly the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme), a range of supports under the new Capital Investment Scheme TAMS II, the prioritisation afforded to commonage farmers under GLAS, and support for a specific Knowledge Transfer Group for sheep farmers will be of particular benefit in this regard.
368. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway under the 2015 areas of natural constraint scheme and the basic payment scheme; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34236/15]
View answerAn application under the 2015 Basic Payments Scheme was received from the person named on 11 May 2015. I am pleased to confirm that advance payments under the Basic Payments Scheme will commence in Ireland on 16 October 2015, which is the earliest that payments can commence under the governing EU Regulations. In addition, I can confirm that the level of the advance payment is set at 70% for 2015 rather than the normal 50%. The increase in the advance payment for 2015 is, in particular, due to the difficulties encountered in the dairying and pigmeat sectors. Payments under the Basic Payment Scheme will commence in respect of all applicants whose applications are fully processed and who have no outstanding errors from 16 October 2015.
An application under the 2015 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme was received from the person named on 11 May 2015. However, payment has not yet issued as the holding of the person named has not yet satisfied the Scheme minimum stocking density requirements for 2015.
Under the 2015 Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme, eligible applicants are required to have met a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units for a 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 scheme year.
When the holding concerned is confirmed as having met these requirements, the case will be further processed with a view to payment issuing to the person named at the earliest possible date, provided all other Scheme requirements have been satisfied.
369. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to simplify the rigid regulation in the beef data and genomics programme to make it more attractive and viable for small landowners to participate in; if he will provide increased targeted supports to the suckler cow herd in budget 2016 in order to support farming, and wider economic activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34237/15]
View answerThe Beef Data and Genomics Programme, or BDGP, was launched on 5th May last 2015. It is part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. There is funding of €300 million available within the scheme and it builds on my Department’s previous Beef Data Programme and Beef Genomics schemes.
The BDGP aims to (i) address widely acknowledged weaknesses in the maternal genetics of the Irish suckler herd, (ii) reduce the Greenhouse Gas intensity of Ireland’s beef production and (iii) make a positive contribution to the future viability of suckler farmers and the national suckler herd.
To achieve these objectives my Department has drawn up six requirements that farmers must meet in order to draw down payment from the scheme. Participants will be required to complete surveys and submit information related to criteria such as milking ability, docility, size and animal vigour. Farmers will be very familiar with these surveys which were previously part of the Beef Data Programme operated in recent years.
Participants will also be required to genotype animals on their farms which have been selected by the ICBF (Irish Cattle Breeding Federation). The number of animals to be genotyped each year will be equal to 60% of the number of calved suckler cows that the applicant had on his/her holding in 2014 – these are known as the farmer’s reference animals. It should be noted that the cost of the genotyping tag has been significantly reduced from the pilot 2014 Beef Genomics Scheme and now stands at €22 – a drop of over 26%.
Farmers will also then be required to undertake a replacement strategy to ensure that a certain percentage of the animals on their herd at particular deadlines are of 4 or 5 star rating on the Euro Star ratings system. It should be noted that most farmers are already well on the way to meeting the requirement for replacement animals on their herds, with significant numbers of 4 and 5 star animals already in scheme participant’s herds.
Participants in the programme will receive a payment of €142.50 for each of the first eligible 6.66 hectares and €120 for each of the remaining hectares up to the maximum payable area. The maximum payable area is based on the number of calved suckler cows in each herd in 2014. The payment rates provide for a higher payment linked to the first 10 animals on each herd as I felt it was important to favour smaller herds through this programme. The payment rate of €142.50 is the maximum amount which could be provided based on the cost incurred and income foregone associated with the actions under the BDGP, as negotiated with the European Commission, and it would not be possible to arbitrarily increase the payment.
I have asked officials from my Department in conjunction with the ICBF and Teagasc to hold information meetings for scheme participants. These meetings will enable farmers within the scheme to have one to one time with Department, ICBF and Teagasc staff in order to query any aspect of the scheme and look at their own personal circumstances with regards to the requirements they will have to fulfil to ensure full compliance, and therefore full payment, with the scheme. Scheme participants will be contacted directly to inform them of upcoming meetings.
I have committed to a mid-term review of the operation of the programme, which will include input from all of the stakeholders, including farm organisations. For now, I would like to assure participants in the scheme of continued support over its lifetime from my Department, Teagasc and ICBF.
370. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 479, 489, 490 of 9 June 2015, in reply to which he stated that he would forward the information on to this Deputy's office, if he will now forward the outstanding information. [34243/15]
View answerAs the Deputy has been advised, the wide-ranging nature of the information requested requires a detailed examination of my Department's records and consultation with other Departments and relevant agencies.
While much of the information gathering exercise is complete, certain information gaps remain pending aquaculture site inspections in some cases. Further consultation with relevant outside agencies will also be necessary.
The Deputy will understand that this work is time-consuming in the context of other service delivery requirements on my Department as well as on the agencies in question.
Every effort is being made to expedite completion of this exercise as soon as possible having regard to the complexity involved.
371. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on delayed payments to persons (details supplied) in County Mayo under the agri-environment options scheme. [34252/15]
View answerMy Department is currently examining approximately 400 cases that submitted invoices from one particular company to verify and support claims under the non-productive capital investment action of AEOS. It is known that in some cases the invoices submitted were for greater amounts than actually paid by the participants.
Funding provided under the scheme comes partly from the EU and partly from the National Exchequer. There is a requirement and obligation to ensure that the expenditure claimed by scheme participants reflects the reality of what took place. For that reason my Department wrote to participants requesting alternative proof that the amounts claimed were in fact the amounts paid.
The persons named above were written to on 11 June 2015 regarding the non-productive capital investment claim that they had submitted. This letter requested the submission of alternative verifiable proof to support one of the invoices that was included in each of the claims. A reply to these letters was received on the 15 July 2015. My Department officials are now examining these cases in light of the replies received and decisions will issue to the persons-named shortly.
372. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made on an application from a person (details supplied) in County Galway under the area of natural constraints scheme for 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34267/15]
View answerAn application under the 2015 Basic Payments/Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme was received from the person named on 28 May 2015. Processing of the application under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme is currently in progress. On completion of this process, the application will be further reviewed with a view to payment issuing directly to the nominated bank account of the person named at the earliest possible date.
373. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide emergency funding to Donegal County Council for the removal of sand at the pier in An Bun Beag in County Donegal, as the accumulation of sand is in danger of making the pier unusable, and will impact on the ability of the local Coast Guard to launch a rescue boat, if required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34273/15]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is responsible for the six Fishery Harbour Centres located at Howth, Dunmore East, Castletownbere, Dingle, Ros an Mhíl and Killybegs. This Department is also responsible for North Harbour at Cape Clear Island and for maintaining a range of piers, lights and beacons around the coast in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board Piers, Lights and Beacons Act.
Bunbeg Pier is owned by Donegal County Council, responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with that Local Authority and their parent Department, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
That said, my Department has in previous years provided funding to Local Authorities for small-scale development and repair of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways subject to the availability of Exchequer funding. In 2015 I allocated €2.7 million for this purpose.
No application was received from Donegal County Council in relation to Bunbeg Pier under the 2015 Harbour Development & Marine Leisure Programme.
Any application submitted by Donegal County Council in respect of Bunbeg Pier under a future Local Authority capital programme, will be given consideration in the context of the criteria set out, available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
374. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will reintroduce a land drainage scheme, as it would greatly improve land quality and provide much-needed employment in rural areas. [34282/15]
View answerThere is no provision under the TAMS 2 suite of measures to grant-aid land-drainage works and I have no plans at present to introduce any such measure.
375. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will investigate payments for a person (details supplied) in County Cork under the areas of natural constraint scheme; if any payments are outstanding; when these will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34295/15]
View answerAn application under the 2015 Basic Payments/Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme was received from the person named on 5 May 2015. Processing of the application under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme is currently in progress. On completion of this process, the application will be further reviewed with a view to payment issuing directly to the nominated bank account of the person named at the earliest possible date.
376. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will receive a disadvantaged areas payment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34296/15]
View answerAn application under the 2015 Basic Payments/Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme was received from the person named on 5 May 2015. Processing of the application under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme is currently in progress. On completion of this process, the application will be further reviewed with a view to payment issuing directly to the nominated bank account of the person named at the earliest possible date.
377. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on concerns expressed by agriculture advisers regarding the financial administration of the knowledge transfer group scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34318/15]
View answerUnder the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme Knowledge Transfer Groups across a range of sectors, including beef, dairy and sheep, will be established. The design of the measure has been informed by experience from previous discussion groups, extensive stakeholder consultation, and the relevant EU regulations. Participants are required to attend Knowledge Transfer Group meetings and complete a Farm Improvement Plan. I believe that the combination of both farmer knowledge exchange meetings and one to one interaction between the farmer and advisor in the development of a Farm Improvement Plan will ensure the transfer and exchange of information and best practice to participating farmers.
Under the relevant EU regulation, the knowledge transfer facilitator is the beneficiary and all payments under this measure must issue to him/her in the first instance. My Department is aware of concerns raised on behalf of participants in knowledge transfer groups with regard to this payment mechanism. Indeed, my officials have had detailed and lengthy discussions with the EU Commission in an attempt to put in place an alternative payment mechanism. The clear direction received from the EU Commission in this regard is that the payment must issue via the facilitator in order to maintain the legal basis for the payments.
In order to address the concerns raised, however, a robust payment procedure is being developed which will make the facilitator payment contingent on confirmation that the required payment has issued to his/her group participants, thereby ensuring timely payment to all participating farmers.
My officials are continuing to consult with relevant stakeholders, including agricultural advisers, in order to ensure the most efficient and effective roll out of the Knowledge Transfer Groups.
378. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on Central Statistics Office figures showing that 31 tonnes of Irish beef worth just €194,000 was shipped to the United States of America in the first half of 2015, well behind the end of year target of 20,000 tonnes, worth €100 million; the progress in securing a licence to export manufactured beef into the same jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34319/15]
View answerFigures provided by exporters eligible to ship beef to the United States indicates that exports to date had reached approximately 330 tonnes by early September, with an approximate value of €2.1 m. This is a very encouraging start to our re-entry into the American market, particularly given that the trade to date is confined to intact cuts as we currently await approval to export beef intended for grinding. It must be remembered that only two plants were eligible to export up to mid-May and June respectively. There are now six plants approved to export, and my understanding is that this momentum in exports will continue and grow right through to the end of 2015. As with any new market it takes time to build reputational brand and a customer base and the real time to assess its value is when these are bedded down.
My Department continues to engage with the relevant American authorities in order to agree on a protocol which would allow the export of beef intended for grinding from Ireland to the United States and some progress has been made towards this objective. However, it would appear that the USDA will not make any decision on this issue until the audit currently being carried out on US-approved plants in Ireland by the Food Safety Inspection Service has been completed and the report finalised.
It is important to note that relatively high prices available for beef in Europe this year mean that US buyers are priced out of the market and Irish exporters are choosing to send product to more valuable markets in the UK and on the Continent. Exports to the UK are up 4,000 tonnes compared with the same period in 2014 which were in turn up 9,000 tonnes on 2013. The fact that the rise this year also coincides with a reduced kill overall (back about 10% year on year) highlights further the strength of Irish beef exports in the UK. This of course is helped by a strong sterling and weak euro.
Overall, 2015 has been a relatively positive year for beef prices in Ireland with the yearly average to date 10% up on last year, €4.07 compared to €3.70 in 2014. Prices last week are 10% up on the same week last year notwithstanding recent price decreases. Ireland is currently at 104% of the EU 15 price and 107% of the EU 28 price.
379. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the €67.6 million land parcel identification system fine will be drawn down from the 2015 Estimates or the 2016 Estimates; the impact this will have on his Department's expenditure plans for the year in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34320/15]
View answerIn July 2015 the Commission advised my Department of their intention to exclude a total of approximately €67.6 million from EU funding of various agricultural Direct Payment schemes for the seven year period from 2008 to 2014. This represents 0.56% of the €12 billion in EU funding for these schemes in this extended period.
This was the culmination of a prolonged process which had commenced with a proposed 2% flat rate financial correction for Ireland of €181.5 million arising from its Conformity Clearance audits in 2009, 2010 and 2012 and included the examination of 900,000 land parcels, a Conciliation hearing and intensive communication with the Commission.
The current proposal consists of two elements - €64 million exclusion for the period 2008 – 2012 and €3.6 million for the period 2013 – 2014. It must be noted that there is a decrease of almost 86% in the average annual level of correction for the 2013 – 2014 period relative to the correction for the 2008 – 2014 period. This clearly illustrates the very positive impact of the 2013 LPIS review carried out by my Department.
The proposal, by the Commission, will now go forward to the Committee on the Agricultural Funds for consultation before the Commission makes a final decision probably in late autumn. The proposal, which is a complex and detailed document, is being simultaneously scrutinised by my Department and decisions regarding repayment must await the final confirmatory decision. Pending the Commission’s final decision of the dossiers, my Department is currently considering the options open to it in relation to the funding of the payments to the Commission.
380. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps taken to date to ensure access to European Investment Bank funds for the development of agriculture, food processing, rural development and forestry; the progress made to date; when it is envisaged these funds will be available to be applied for; the amount of the funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34321/15]
View answer381. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide co-funding to match the funds from the European Investment Bank to Irish agriculture, rural development and forestry; the proposed amount of this co-funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34322/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 380 and 381 together.
My Department has been exploring new and more competitive sources of funding for Irish Agriculture and will continue to do so in the context of evolving market requirements. For example, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, which includes the European Investment Bank as one of its funding partners, has recently announced a new 'Agriculture Investment Loans' product. This credit is available at favourable terms for investments by agricultural SMEs involved in primary agricultural production, the processing of agricultural products or the marketing of agricultural products. The features of these products compared with those currently on the market are lower interest rates, loan amounts up to €5 m and increased repayment flexibility. Of the almost €45 million in loans approved and drawn down by SMEs between March and end-June from the SBCI, a third has been accessed by the agricultural sector.
As to the EIB itself, earlier this year, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) presented a model guarantee instrument for agriculture, developed within the framework of their Memorandum of Understanding on co-operation in agriculture and rural development within the EU. The model instrument aims to help ease access to finance for farmers and other rural businesses. Member States and regions can adapt and use this model to set up financial instruments funded by their rural development programmes (RDPs) under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). Financial instruments can take the form of loans, guarantee funds or equity investments. The funding for any such financial instruments would have to draw on Ireland’s existing RDP allocation of European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development funding as well as National Exchequer funding. It is also possible to incorporate funding from other sources for such instruments.
In our RDP, we have made a commitment to examining the potential for the use of financial instruments. However, the inclusion of financial instruments by way of a modification to the RDP is required by EU regulation to be based on an ex ante evaluation which must assess:
- The existence of a market failure;
- The potential for added value;
- The resources required to implement a proposed financial instrument; and
- The proposed strategic approach to financial instruments.
382. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that in the preparation of meat, including in the preparation of halal and kosher meats, all standards are met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34337/15]
View answerSlaughter of animals for meat for human consumption is subject to compliance with relevant EU regulations, which are designed to ensure inter alia that food is safe, to protect human health and to safeguard animal welfare at time of slaughter.
Ritual slaughter is carried out under the supervision of my Department. Food business operators who wish to carry out slaughter without pre-stunning must be approved to do so by my Department and must meet detailed procedural requirements laid down by the Department.
In addition, slaughterhouse operatives must be certified by my Department as being competent under a number of headings which includes, where appropriate, having reached the required standard in relation to slaughtering in accordance with Article 4(4) of Regulation (EC) 1099/2009 (i.e. ritual slaughter).
383. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara cé mhéid airgid atá curtha i leataobh faoin gClár Bonneagair agus Infheistíochta Caipitil, 2016-2021 d’fhorbairt cé doimhne mara i Ros an Mhíl, Contae na Gaillimhe; cén uair a iarrfar tairiscintí don obair seo, ó tharla go bhfuil cead pleanála ann cheana don obair; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [34383/15]
View answerTá an Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara freagrach as na sé Ionad Iascaigh Cuain atá lonnaithe ag Binn Éadair, an Dún Mór, na Cealla Beaga, an Daingean, Baile Chaisleáin Bhéarra, agus Ros an Mhíl. Tá an Roinn seo freagrach chomh maith as Cuan Trá Chiaráin ar Chléire agus as réimsí céanna, soilse agus rabhchán a chothú timpeall an chósta i gcomhréir leis an 1902 ex-congested Districts Board Piers, Lights and Beacons Act.
Soláthraíonn an Clár Forbartha Caipitiúla Iascaigh Cuain agus Bonneagar Cósta, a riarann an Roinn ar bhonn bliantúil, cistiú d’oibreacha caipitiúla ag na láithreacha thuas. Tá an tsraith tionscadal atá le cur san áireamh i gclár 2016 á tabhairt chun críche agus is amhlaidh atá na gealltanais do thionscadail fhéideartha níos fadtéarmaí chomh maith. Déanfaidh mé fógra ar na saincheisteanna seo in am agus i dtráth.
384. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress to date in evaluating an application from Bord Iascaigh Mhara for an aquaculture licence in Galway Bay; the date the application was received; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34387/15]
View answerThe aquaculture licence application from Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) for the cultivation of finfish in Galway Bay was received by my Department in August 2012. The application and its accompanying Environmental Impact Statement are being considered under the provisions of the 1997 Fisheries (Amendment) Act and the 1933 Foreshore Act.
A determination in respect of the application will be made as soon as possible following completion of the necessary assessment process.
As the application is under active consideration as part of the statutory process it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
385. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of herdowners, in tabular form, of suckler cows who lodged an initial application for the beef genomics and data scheme who have since withdrawn from the scheme, by herd size at intervals of ten cows, and by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34389/15]
View answerThe data requested by you is being compiled at present and will be forwarded to you directly.
386. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to provide grant aid for the conversion of existing sheds to slatted units under the targeted agricultural modernisation 2 scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34388/15]
View answerThe conversion of existing sheds to slatted units is already provided for in certain circumstances under TAMS 2. In the case of existing loose houses grant aid is available for installing both slurry tanks and slats.
387. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the arrangements in place to facilitate persons with dyslexia in interacting with his Department about farm schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34390/15]
View answerMy Department aims to ensure that the needs of all of its customers, including people with disabilities, are met and that rights to equal treatment are upheld in the delivery of services. In accordance with section 26(2) of the Disability Act 2005, my Department has appointed a Disability Access Officer who is responsible for providing or arranging for, and co-ordinating assistance and guidance, to persons with disabilities accessing services provided by the offices and generally to act as a point of contact for people with disabilities wishing to access such services.
Specifically when a person with dyslexia brings his or her case to the attention of the Department’s Access Officer, that officer advises a senior official in the relevant Division of the situation. Arrangements are then made to contact the individual directly either by phone or in person to go through the paperwork involved and assist / advise the client as appropriate.
388. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a land drainage scheme to reduce flooding on land caused by overgrown watercourses and drains in order to improve land quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34391/15]
View answerThere is no provision under the TAMS 2 suite of measures to grant-aid land-drainage works and I have no plans at present to introduce any such measure.
389. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is legally precluded under European Union law from allocating a top-up under the basic payment scheme to all farmers under 40 years of age; if not, his plans to allocate such a top-up, if all the funding for young farmers is not drawn down this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34392/15]
View answerThe 2013 reform of the Common Agricultural Policy provides for an annual payment for a maximum of five years to eligible young farmers who are entitled to a payment under the Basic Payment Scheme. The scheme is designed to assist young farmers in the initial stages of establishing a farming enterprise in their own name by providing this additional payment.
In accordance with the EU Regulations governing the Young Farmers Scheme, a 'young farmer' is defined as:
- S/he is aged no more than 40 years of age in the year when s/he first submits an application under the Basic Payment Scheme;
- S/he is setting up an agricultural holding for the first time or has set up such a holding during the five years preceding the first submission of the Basic Payment Scheme application.
As these Regulations are applicable to all Member States my Department has no discretion with regard to their implementation.
390. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a reply will issue to a letter referred to an official in his Department by the agricultural appeals office on 20 August 2015 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34398/15]
View answerOfficials in my Department are currently examining the correspondence submitted by the person named through the Agriculture Appeals Office. It is expected that this examination will be completed shortly and a reply will issue to the person named immediately thereafter.
391. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a payment under the disadvantaged areas scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34413/15]
View answerAn application under the 2015 Basic Payments/Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme was received from the person named on 18 May 2015. Processing the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme application has recently been finalised. Payment will issue shortly directly to the nominated bank account of the person named.
