Vol. 561 No. 4
240 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will meet with a delegation of farmers in relation to the destocking issue in County Mayo which is causing tremendous problems and discuss the concerns that they have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4684/03]
The arrangements for the implementation of the commonage framework plans were finalised after a series of meetings between my officials and the farming organisations stretching over several months and covering a wide range of issues. I am fully aware of the concerns of farmers and the arrangements that I have now put in place afford farmers the maximum flexibility compatible with the 1998 agreement on commonages between my Department and the European Commission. That agreement formed the basis on which I have been able since 1999 to make generous payments of up to €242 per hectare on commonage land to farmers in REPS. I am satisfied there is no scope for further concessions.
Farmers who are required to destock under the commonage framework plans may either join REPS and accept the generous payment rates negotiated in 1998, or alternatively they may apply for compensation under a national scheme to be operated by Dúchas. I understand that discussions on this scheme between Dúchas and the European Commission are at an advanced stage.
I have recently announced the arrangements to enable farmers to appeal the destocking levels recommended in commonage framework plans. The appeals process will consist of a reassessment of the plan by a second approved framework planning team, and a contribution of up to €1,300 will be available towards the cost of each appeal.
