Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 October 2021
733. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers that will receive reduced direct payments as a result of increased water levels at Lough Funshinagh; the mean, mode, median and highest reduction; the mean, mode, median and highest percentage reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47571/21]
View answerUnder the Terms and Conditions of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), amongst other conditions, lands declared under the scheme must be eligible for payment by virtue of being suitable for an agricultural activity and to actually be subject to an agricultural activity during the year of application.
In particular, the lands declared must be subject to an agricultural activity for a period from the beginning of the year until after 31st May or for a period before 31st May to 31st December of the scheme year in question. Areas under water during the time specified would not be eligible for payment. Claiming areas that are deemed ineligible under the terms and conditions of the BPS scheme can result in a penalty, be it a reduction in the area paid or, in cases where the claimed area exceed certain percentages of the overall claim, an administration penalty.
Where such a situation arises, the Department contacts the applicants informing them of the position and advising them of their right of review and appeal. Each appeal is considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Department is currently processing the BPS applications for 2021 so the information requested by the Deputy is not available.
