Basic Payment Scheme Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 May 2018

Wednesday, 23 May 2018

Questions (164)

Bobby Aylward

Question:

164. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the rules relating to farm entitlements in instances in which there is an injunction on a deceased person's estate; if it is possible for his Department to transfer entitlements to a person's name in such an instance; if it is possible to seek a change of herd number into another person's name before the probate process is complete without first informing the official herd keeper as appointed through the ER1 process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22783/18]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In relation to Basic Payment Scheme Entitlements and in instances where a deceased person's estate is subject to legal proceedings, following the resolution of the legal issues, my Department will work with the parties involved to ensure the estate of the deceased is administered as appropriate.

Regarding the re-activation of a herd number, in cases where a herd owner is deceased, a transfer of herd owner request would need to be made, requiring all the usual evidence as to the right of the transferee. The application for a herd number must be accompanied by proof of ownership of land (folio) or copy of a lease agreement. The ER1 is an application form for one single individual to register as a keeper of animals on a holding.