Forestry Premium Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 February 2018

Tuesday, 6 February 2018

Questions (479)

Brendan Smith

Question:

479. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to change the rate of premium payments for afforestation to ensure that full-time farmers receive a higher rate payment than persons that are not dependent on farming for an income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5655/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The single premium rate for farmers, both full and part-time, and non-farmers was introduced under the Forestry Progamme 2014-2020. I do not have any plans to reinstate a farmer/non-farmer differential or to introduce higher rates solely for full time farmers.