Agriculture Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 June 2021

Thursday, 3 June 2021

Questions (352)

Michael Creed

Question:

352. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 561 of 25 May 2021, his views on whether from the outset this cohort should have been communicated with specifically to inform them of the derogation provision which would assist persons with their requirements under the BEAM scheme given the significant sums of money involved and the low income nature of livestock farming (details supplied); if he will reconsider the matter as it relates to this cohort of BEAM participants with a view to providing an amnesty to those who have not met the derogation application deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30339/21]

Written answers

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The ability to seek a derogation from some or all of the nitrates reduction requirement under Beef Exceptional Aid Measure was detailed in the terms and conditions of the scheme which have been available online since its launch and to which all applicants to the scheme indicated they had read and understood as part of the application process.

Close to 200 participants who felt they were unable to meet the scheme requirements vis a vis the 5% reduction requirement have successfully applied to the Department in that regard. Among those were farmers whose nitrates figures for the reference period were abnormally low due to the effects of a TB restriction and for whom a further reduction was unviable. This was available to all participants and applications had to be submitted prior to the 30 September 2019.

Anyone seeking to avail of such a derogation now can apply to have one considered under force majeure but will need to be mindful of the conditions under which force majeure is applied and submit any documentary evidence in support of their claim as part of the force majeure application.