Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 June 2012
548 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the disadvantaged area scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29671/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraBeing particularly mindful of the importance of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, from an economic perspective, contributing as it does to the support of in excess of 100,000 Irish farm families, whose ability to farm is restricted by the physical environment and, in particular, the impact of the prevailing wet cold climatic, I chose to adopt a focused approach when faced with implementing the decisions contained in the 2012 Budget. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that the purpose of the changes is to achieve the required savings, prompted by the budgeted expenditure under the 2012 Scheme being reduced to from €220 million to €190 million.
However, in order to make these savings, it is proposed to make technical adjustments to the Scheme criteria, rather than simply apply an across-the-board cut, by reducing the maximum payable area, or reducing the rates of aid payable, or both. Choosing to opt for the technical adjustments ensures that the aid payment is focused on farmers whose farming enterprises are situated exclusively in DAS areas and who are making a significant contribution to achieving the objectives of the Scheme, which are defined in the governing EU legislation as follows:
To ensure continued agricultural land use and thereby contribute to the maintenance of a viable rural community;
To maintain the countryside;
To maintain and promote sustainable farming systems which, in particular, take account of environmental protection measures.
By virtue of the Scheme being part of our 2007/2013 Rural Development Programme, it was necessary that the proposed changes to the Terms and Conditions of the 2012 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme be formally submitted to the EU Commission for their approval. This process initially involves informal contact at official level, following which a formal written submission is made. On receipt of the submission, the Commission invites the views of the various relevant Directorates, who each must assess the proposals insofar as their specific remits are concerned.
