the persons named submitted an application for an allocation of entitlements from the 2005 Single Payments Scheme National Reserve under categories A B C and D.
Category A caters for farmers who inherited land or received land free of charge or for a nominal sum from a farmer who had retired or died by 16 May 2005 and who had leased out his/her holding to a third party during the reference period 2000 – 2002. The persons named were not successful under this category as the land acquired was not leased out during the reference period.
Category B caters for farmers who, between 1 January 2000 and 19 October 2003 made an investment in production capacity in a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia and /or Arable Aid schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 – 2002. Investments can include purchase or long-term lease of land, purchase of suckler and/or ewe quota or other investments. The persons named were not successful under this category as there was no evidence of investment, which is required for this category.
Category C caters for farmers who sold the milk quota into the Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme and converted their enterprise to a farming sector for which a direct payment under Livestock Premia/or Arable Aid Schemes would have been payable during the reference period 2000 to 2002. The persons named were not successful under this category as they were not the herdowner who sold the milk into the restructuring scheme.
Category D caters for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002, or who commenced farming in 2002 but who received no direct payments in respect of that scheme year. The persons named have been deemed to be successful under this category. A formal letter setting out my Department's decision has issued to the persons named and relevant payment due will issue shortly.
This particular case also involved Inheritance and Private Contract Clause which first had to be processed and subsequently the entitlements were topped-up by the allocation from the National Reserve. If the persons named are dissatisfied with my Department's decision in relation to the National Reserve, they now have the opportunity to appeal this decision to the Independent Payment Appeals Committee. An appeals application form is available from any of my Department's offices or on the Department website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.