Written Answers Nos. 1739-1758
1739. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of live lambs and the quantity of sheep meat in tonnage that were imported from UK per month during the 2022 calendar year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63140/22]
View answerData for imports is currently available for 2022 up to the end of September.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) uses the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) system to record sheep movements in terms of both imports and exports for the purposes of slaughter, breeding and fattening. Up to the end of September 2022 a total of 291,966 sheep were imported from the United Kingdom (UK). All of these were imported from Northern Ireland.
Data on imports of sheepmeat are available from the CSO. Up to the end of September 2022 5,999 tonnes of sheepmeat had been imported from the UK. By way of comparison, some 58,000 tonnes of sheepmeat, valued at €386 million, was exported from Ireland in 2021.
The below table provides the quantity of live sheep and sheepmeat imported for the first nine months in 2022 from the UK.
Live Sheep & Sheepmeat Imports UK 2022
|
Month |
Live Sheep Imports Head |
Sheepmeat Imports Tonnes |
|
January |
31,088 |
745 |
|
February |
32,504 |
564 |
|
March |
37,511 |
646 |
|
April |
27,549 |
635 |
|
May |
23,138 |
807 |
|
June |
22,545 |
759 |
|
July |
37,923 |
504 |
|
August |
39,328 |
600 |
|
September |
40,380 |
739 |
|
Total |
291,966 |
5,999 |
1740. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of live sheep that were exported from Ireland per month in the calendar year of 2022; the destinations, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63141/22]
View answerThe intra-EU movement of animals is recorded on the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES), which is the EU-wide online management tool for all sanitary and phytosanitary requirements on intra-EU trade and importation of animals, semen and embryo, food, feed and plants.
My Department uses the TRACES system for official certification of sheep movements in terms of both imports and exports for the purposes of slaughter, breeding and fattening between Ireland and other jurisdictions.
The total numbers of live sheep exported from Ireland per month in calendar year of 2022 to date are as follows:
|
January |
459 |
|
February |
15 |
|
April |
2 |
|
May |
28 |
|
June |
1,872 |
|
July |
7,092 |
|
August |
79 |
|
September |
760 |
|
October |
759 |
|
November |
1,250 |
|
December |
1,037 |
|
Total: |
13,353 |
By destination in 2022:
|
Belgium |
1963 |
|
France |
7917 |
|
Germany |
44 |
|
Italy |
149 |
|
Netherlands |
1060 |
|
Portugal |
16 |
|
Romania |
10 |
|
Spain |
11 |
|
Switzerland |
37 |
|
United Kingdom (Great Britain) |
19 |
|
United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) |
2127 |
|
Total: |
13353 |
1741. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify the way that the export of slurry from farm holdings is facilitated under the new nitrates' derogation arrangements; if he will outline a rationale for the proposed changes in this specific regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63160/22]
View answerThe exportation of slurry from holdings is facilitated and managed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine online movement system. On an annual basis, farmers availing of the facility to export slurry must submit records online to DAFM by 31 December each year and farmers operating in Derogation must do so by 31st October.
As part of Ireland's 5th Nitrates Action Programme review which commenced in 2021 and was finalised in March 2022, a review of the technical tables in SI 605 2017 was undertaken, which included a review of the nutrient value of slurry.
Following review, the Revised Teagasc Green Book published on 20th July 2020, “Major and Micronutrient Advice for Productive Agricultural Crops” outlines the figures for Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium levels in cattle slurry. These total nutrient values are based on relevant studies and a survey of slurry nationally.
Previously, the figure used in the Nitrates Regulations for Nitrogen in cattle slurry was 5 kg N/t as set out in SI No. 605 of 2017.
Based on the studies set out in the Teagasc publication, the actual average Nitrogen value for Cattle Slurry is 2.4 kg N/t with values ranging from 0.2kg N/t to 5.2kg N/t. The slurry samples in the studies were selected to cover a range of animal breed types and animal diets in order to represent typical cattle slurry produced in Ireland. Table 7 in SI No 113 of 2022 is based on the average value for Nitrogen in cattle slurry.
1742. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current situation regarding access to inshore waters by large boats; the initiatives, if any, which he proposes to reinstate protection measures in these waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63161/22]
View answerIn December 2018, following a public consultation process in which over 900 submissions were received, as Minister you announced that vessels over 18m will be excluded from trawling in inshore waters inside the six nautical mile zone and the baselines from 1 January 2020. A transition period of three years for vessels over 18m targeting sprat was allowed to enable adjustment for these vessels, as the sprat fishery is concentrated inside the six nautical mile zone.
A Ministerial Policy Directive was issued to the independent Licensing Authority to give effect to these measures. The Policy Directive directed the Licensing Authority to insert a condition to this effect into the licences of affected vessels.
A Judicial Review to the High Court was taken by two applicant fishermen challenging the validity of the Policy. On 6th October 2020, the Judge held in summary that the High Court’s final order should be, among other matters, a declaration that Policy Directive 1 of 2019 was made in breach of fair procedures and is void and/or of no legal effect. The breach of fair procedures as referenced above related to a failure with obligations to consult with the applicants in accordance with, and to the extent required by, the consultation process and in particular by failing to consult with them a second time once a preferred option had been identified. A stay on the order was refused by the High Court on 10th December 2020.
I appealed the decision of the High Court to the Court of Appeal, also seeking a stay on the order of the High Court. The Court of Appeal reinstated the Ministerial Policy Directive on 19th March 2021, when the Court was persuaded that the balance of justice leaned in favour of the State and granted a stay on the order of the High Court up until the hearing of the substantive appeal in June. Following a full hearing by the Court of Appeal on 22nd June 2021, the Court decided to temporarily extend the Policy Directive excluding large vessels from trawling in inshore waters within 6 miles of the coast, save for a restricted sprat fishery.
On September 23rd, 2021, the Court of Appeal refused the application I had made to further continue the stay. This refusal means that the decision of the High Court stands and the Policy Directive is no longer valid; meaning vessels over 18 metres in length overall have resumed trawling in the waters inside 6 nautical miles. These vessels also no longer require an authorisation to fish for sprat inside 6 nautical miles.
The Court of Appeal issued an unapproved judgment on 19th July last and requested further submissions from both parties. These have been provided to the Court on my behalf.
As this matter continues to be sub judice , I am not in a position to comment further until the matter can be resolved before the Courts.
1743. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the checks that are in place to ensure that pet dogs and other animals that are entering Ireland do not pose a risk of rabies or other diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63215/22]
View answerThe Deputy may be aware that all animals entering Ireland are subject to EU sanitary requirements. These requirements are in place to reduce the risk of importation and spread disease. The requirements for animals generally to enter Ireland are outlined in the EU Animal Health Law, Regulation (EU) 429/2016. The specific requirements for a pet (dog, cat ferret) to enter Ireland are outlined in Regulation (EU) 576/2013. Any animal which does not meet the health requirements set out in these regulation are quarantined or returned to the country of origin.
Any animal or product of animal origin entering Ireland from outside the EU require health certification and undergoes checks at the Border Control Post (BCP) upon entry. Their health status and health documentation are checked. Whilst all pets entering from third countries are checked, pets entering from the EU undergo spot checks.
If a pet is non-compliant, then the pet will be placed in official isolation until the pet is compliant with entry requirements.
The European Communities (Birds & Natural Habitats) Regulation 2011 restricts the importation, distribution, sale or release of approximately 70 species of plants and animals considered to be harmful invasive alien species of national concern. It is an offence to breed, reproduce or release an animal listed as an invasive alien species.
Animals covered by the EU Habitats Directive, such as otters and bats, are afforded strict protection and may not be sold in pet shops.
1744. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when legislation will be in place removing the requirement for planning permission on ash plantations below ten hectares in size which are being replaced by conifers following the completion of environmental assessment by the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63228/22]
View answer1745. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the clearance grant element of the ash dieback RUS is being retained in the new forestry programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63229/22]
View answer1746. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total area of Ash dieback RUS received by his Department which remain unapproved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63230/22]
View answer1748. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the rate of grant available to farmers who are clearing a forest with ash dieback under the new forestry scheme; the person or body that decides the rate of grant to be paid to an affected farmer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63245/22]
View answer1793. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of RUS licences issued in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63791/22]
View answer1794. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the experience of ash dieback amongst farmers and their dissatisfaction with existing support schemes will have impacted negatively on farmer participation in afforestation, thus reducing planting levels in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63792/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1744, 1745, 1746, 1748, 1793 and 1794 together.
There are a variety of reasons as to why there has been a gradual decline in afforestation rates in recent years.
Since the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has provided support totalling over €7 million to owners of ash plantations impacted by ash dieback disease through the ash dieback reconstitution scheme (introduced in 2013) and more recently via the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (Ash Dieback) introduced in July 2020.
I have secured a package of €1.3 billion for forestry which will support the biggest and best-funded Forestry Programme to date in Ireland and it is intended to continue to offer the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme through the next Forestry Programme which will cover the period from 2023-2027.
Forest Owners will qualify for a clearance grant and may select from a number of proposed Forest Types. The current scheme provides 100% grant aid to landowners to clear their ash crop, replant with an alternate species and manage their forest until successfully established and it is proposed that, as is currently the case, the grant rates offered will correspond to the equivalent rate offered in the proposed new Afforestation Scheme; see Circular 20 of 2022 Forestry Programme Support Scheme Grants and Payments which may be viewed at gov.ie - Forestry Grants and Premium Schemes 2014 - 2022 Circulars (www.gov.ie)
The Programme, and the Forestry Strategy, which is the framework within which it operates, has recently closed a public consultation from which we are currently collating and reviewing the feedback received, and this in turn will inform the final versions.
I have, of course, also met with landowners whose forests have ash dieback and I am more than aware of their concerns and I will continue to work to address them.
Since the commencement of the RUS – Ash dieback scheme, and up to 31st December this year, a total of 978 applications have been received, covering 3,783ha. Of this total, 390 have been approved, and there remains 587 on hand, covering 2,543 ha, which are at various stages of the approval process.
In 2022, 228 licences issued, covering 1,230ha, with one application refused (10ha).
The Departmental Housing, Local Government and Heritage introduced a legislative change in the Planning and Development Regulations on 14th December 2022, which removes the requirement for planning permission for Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme projects less than 10ha in size that involve the replacement of broadleaf high forest with conifer species, where the project is licensed or approved by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
This legislative change is a welcome development and will simplify the assessment process to a single consent approach, The requirement for projects to be screened by DAFM for sub-threshold Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) remains in place.
1747. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost to Greyhound Racing Ireland of sponsoring a competition (details supplied) and a final on a television station on 17 and 24 September 2022, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63241/22]
View answerRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for RCÉ and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
1749. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a survey has been done on sites affected by ash dieback to ascertain whether the soil is infected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63246/22]
View answer1750. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans that are in place to compensate the landowner if their land's soil is infected on a plantation containing ash dieback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63247/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1749 and 1750 together.
Following the first confirmed finding of Ash Dieback disease in October 2012, on imported trees used in forestry plantations, my Department has carried out surveys for the disease every year. In addition to forest surveys, my staff conducted surveys in horticultural nurseries, garden centres, private gardens, roadside landscaping and farm agri-environment scheme plantings. These surveys have not to date included a survey of the soil. The disease is now widespread in all counties of Ireland.
Ash leaf litter forms a critical part of the life cycle of the ash dieback disease Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Although it is thought H. fraxineuscan survive freely in the soil in the absence of ash tissue (litter), there is currently little science or information relating to spore survival time of H. fraxineus in soil and no clear evidence supporting it as a primary pathway.
Since the first finding of ash dieback disease in Ireland in 2012, the Department has supported owners of ash plantations impacted by ash dieback disease through the ash Reconstitution Scheme and subsequently the reconstitution and Under-planting Scheme.
Both of these schemes contain two broad financial support (grant) elements namely site clearance and reconstitution/Underplanting. Species other than ash are used for the replanting.
It is intended to continue to offer a Reconstitution Scheme through the next Forestry Programme which will cover the period from 2023-2027, subject to State Aid Approval
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine currently has no plans to offer compensation where soil is infected with ash dieback disease.
1751. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there has been a survey done on lands containing hen harrier where there are different levels of forestation growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63248/22]
View answerI understand the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (National Parks & Wildlife Service) oversee national hen harrier surveys every five years, taking in forest land, farmland and upland moorland. Annual surveys have also been undertaken in recent years under the auspices of the Hen Harrier Environmental Innovation Project (EIP), to measure the success of farm measures targeted at creating a more favourable habitat for breeding Hen Harrier. Occasional surveys have also been carried out by Coillte, to check the presence (or otherwise) of breeding birds during the restricted period 1st March to 15th August, inclusive.
The relationship between Hen Harrier and forests of different ages is well researched and is complex. Hen Harrier is a ground-nesting species in open moorland habitats but does utilise pre-thicket conifer forests, both for nesting and foraging. However, research indicates that this habitat is suboptimal compared to open moorland, in terms of breeding success. Furthermore, once the forest grows beyond pre-thicket stage and the canopy closes over, the area is no longer suitable for Hen Harrier breeding or foraging.
1752. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the level of funding that exists for the ecosystem's services payments in the new forestry programme under biodiversity grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63249/22]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has recently secured funding of €1.3 billion for the Forestry Programme 2023-2027. Subject to State Aid approval, this will support the biggest and best-funded Forestry Programme to date in Ireland and will assist forest owners in the sustainable management of their forests.
The draft Forestry Programme (2023-2027) which is contained in the Forest Strategy Implementation Plan and was recently subject to public consultation, contains a proposal for the introduction of a Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) premium pilot.
It is proposed that this pilot will be developed for existing forest owners, that are out of premium payments or never received a grant payment for their forest. It is designed as an annual per ha payment of 7 years duration. Forest owners when receiving approval on certain support Schemes may be able to select one (or more) options in accordance with the forestry management practice selected. Each option would attract a flat rate payment per ha.
Funding has been allocated to these premiums in line with the targets included in the draft Forestry Programme 2023-2027 and at the individual PES rates which range from €90 to €500 per ha as published in Circular 20 of 2022. PES premiums aim to promote the longer-term sustainable management of forests, in particular encouraging forest owners of productive forests to manage their forests with a view to maximising carbon sequestration, water purification and regulation of flow, soil formation, fuel, food and forest genetic resources.
1753. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the percentage of Coillte lands that are currently in forestry production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63250/22]
View answerCoillte is a private limited company established under the Forestry Act 1988 and is operationally independent from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I have referred the matter to Coillte for direct follow-up with the Deputy.
1754. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has plans to grant-aid the cutting of trees on roadsides that are infected with ash dieback for road safety reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63251/22]
View answerThe care and management of trees adjacent to roads is the responsibility of the landowner on whose land the roadside trees are growing. It is advisable that landowners make themselves aware of the full legal extent of their land ownership and of any obligations arising from this.
My Department does not offer funding for the removal of roadside trees, but has recently published guidance on the subject of roadside trees (“A Guide for Landowners to Managing Roadside Trees”) and this can be accessed at the Department website.
1755. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current membership number of an organisation (details supplied); the length of membership of each member; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63252/22]
View answerThe COFORD Council is a body appointed by the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to advise the Minister and the Department on issues related to the development of the forest sector in Ireland.
The current membership of the COFORD Council covers the period 2019 to 2023 and is listed in the table below. The Council comprises stakeholders from a number of organisations interested in forestry and is appointed approximately every five years. The current COFORD Council term is due to finish in May 2023 and a decision to appoint a new Council, including the future format of COFORD will be reviewed in Quarter 1 this year.
|
Council Member |
Organisation |
Date of Appointment |
|
Dr Eugene Hendrick |
Chair |
May 2019 – May 2023 |
|
Fergus Moore |
DAFM |
May 2019 – May 2023 |
|
Seamus Dunne |
DAFM |
May 2019 – May 2023 |
|
Tony Quinn |
DAFM |
May 2019 – May 2023 |
|
Patrick Murray |
Murrays Timber Group Ltd |
May 2019 – May 2023 |
|
Asst Prof Áine Ní Dhubháin |
University College Dublin |
May 2019 – May 2023 |
|
Neil Kerrigan |
Enterprise Ireland |
May 2019 – May 2023 |
|
Daragh Little |
Forest Industries Ireland |
May 2019 – May 2023 |
|
John Kavanagh |
None-so-Hardy Nurseries Ltd |
May 2019 – May 2023 |
|
Mark Carlin |
Coillte |
May 2019 – May 2023 |
|
Dr Nuala Ní Fhlatharta, |
Teagasc |
May 2019 – May 2023 |
|
John Joe O Boyle, |
Northern Ireland Forest Service |
May 2019 – May 2023 |
|
Dr Declan Little, |
Coillte |
May 2019 – May 2023 |
|
Donal Whelan, |
Irish Timber Growers Association |
May 2019 – May 2023 |
|
Matthew Clancy (left SEAI in 2022) |
SEAI |
May 2019-February 2022 |
|
Stephen Treacy, |
Environmental Protection Agency |
April 2021 to May 2023 |
|
Jenni Roche, |
Department of Housing, Heritage and Local |
April 2021 to May 2023 |
|
Andrew St. Ledger, |
Environmental Pillar |
April 2021 to May 2023 |
|
Kieran Cummins |
Environmental Pillar |
April 2021 to May 2023 |
|
Jason Fleming, IFA (replaced Vincent Nally 2019-2021) |
Irish Farmers Association |
April 2021 to May 2023 |
1756. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider dropping the obligation for the replanting of forestry as part of the new forestry programme, in order to encourage afforestation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63253/22]
View answerForestry in Ireland operates within a legal and regulatory framework. This is necessary in order to protect forests and also to ensure that forestry operations and activities are carried out in compliance with the principles of sustainable forest management.
Reforestation after felling is essential to prevent deforestation, which would otherwise counteract the benefits of the initial afforestation. The obligation to replant felled trees is required under the Forestry Acts, associated regulations and is not related to an individual Forestry Programme.
Legally-binding international environmental agreements and ‘carbon accounting’ (United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)) have also necessitated a policy to prevent deforestation due to the role forests play as sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases (GHG’s). The EU land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) regulation accounts for deforestation emissions.
Notwithstanding this policy to maintain forest cover through sustainable forest management (SFM), there are circumstances where deforestation will be legally permitted for environmental and social benefit. The DAFM Felling and Reforestation Policy 2017 outlines the scenarios where forests can be permanently removed under licence.
1757. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will reopen applications for tranche 1 of the ACRES scheme, given that this is a new scheme and some applicants did not have an opportunity to prepare and submit their application on time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63275/22]
View answer1767. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) in relation to the ACRES scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63448/22]
View answer1824. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the assistance that will be provided to the estimated 16,000 farmers who were unable to participate in the agri-climate rural environmental scheme; if these most vulnerable low-income farmers will receive a gap payment in 2023, given that they will be unable to afford a year without support payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1083/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1757, 1767 and 1824 together.
The Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is the agri-environment climate measure in Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027. It is a voluntary scheme whereby farmers, when approved into the Scheme, will undertake certain actions on their land for at least five years.
There are two approaches available to farmers under ACRES, namely the ACRES General approach and the ACRES Co-operation approach depending on the location of their holding.
The Government has committed €1.5 billion to ACRES over its duration with the aim of facilitating the participation of 50,000 farmers. This is a significant number so the intake into the scheme is being phased, with at least two tranches. Tranche 1 of ACRES opened for applications on Monday 17th October 2022 and closed Wednesday 7th December 2022. Phasing the intake into the Scheme helps to spread the workload on advisors. Intake into the Green Low Carbon Agri-environment Scheme (GLAS), the predecessor to ACRES, was also on a tranche basis for the same reason.
Applications for Tranche 1 are closed, however, it is anticipated that ACRES Tranche 2 will open for applications in Quarter 4 of 2023.
Tranche 1 received over 46,000 applicants. I am delighted to see such a strong response to ACRES. This shows clearly how engaged and ambitious our farm families are for embracing the climate and biodiversity challenge.
ACRES has proven to be a strong and farmer-friendly scheme which has caught the imagination of the farming public. Regarding the large number of applications, I am currently reviewing the matter regarding the number of applications to be approved.
1758. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers from County Mayo who are affected, through no fault of their own, as the forgotten farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63298/22]
View answerI am committed to delivering a support package for the cohort of farmers who are known as the Forgotten Farmers. Many of these farmers find themselves in this situation through no fault of their own.
It is not possible to determine the number of farmers in County Mayo who meet the requirements to be considered under the proposed scheme to address the issue of forgotten farmers. Information such as the number of potential applicants under the scheme who would hold the required agricultural educational qualification at Level 6 or equivalent on the National Framework of Qualifications is not held by my Department.
Any scheme would be demand led, and until such time as all applications were assessed against the final agreed eligibility criteria, it would not be possible to determine the number of farmers from County Mayo who can be regarded as falling under the category known as forgotten farmer.
