Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 March 2018
420. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if students who sit examinations for educational courses that qualify young farmers for a green certificate before the end of 2018 will be eligible to apply to the 2018 national reserve and young farmers scheme before the upcoming May 2018 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11227/18]
View answerThe Terms and Conditions of the 2018 National Reserve and the Young Farmers Scheme require applicants to have successfully completed a recognised course of education in agriculture giving rise to an award at FETAC Level 6 or its equivalent by the 15th May 2018.
Where an applicant has fully completed all aspects of their course by 15th May but has not yet been verified as successful or received final certification, a Confirmation of Education Form should be submitted with the young farmer’s application. This form is available to download on my Department’s website. The form is to be filled out by a representative of the college to confirm that the applicant has fully completed all aspects of the course by the 15th May.
Decisions in relation to the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme, including educational qualification requirements, are made in consultation with the Direct Payments Advisory Committee which includes members of the main farming bodies, and agricultural education and advisory services.
