Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1398. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine his plans regarding new entrants to the commonage framework plan; if those new entrants will be allowed to purchase, rent or lease dormant shares currently being claimed for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38123/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe review of the Commonage Framework Plans, which was carried out by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with the assistance from my Department is completed. The review, which was conducted at individual commonage parcel level, indicates both the minimum and the maximum livestock units that will have to be maintained in order for the commonage to be maintained in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC). It is necessary that all commonage land be maintained in GAEC to be eligible for payment under the Single Payment Scheme, Disadvantaged Areas Scheme, REPS and Agri-Environment Options Scheme.
Arrangements are now underway to notify applicants under the above mentioned Schemes of the minimum and maximum stocking levels now allowed in respect of the commonage land they declare.
In relation to new entrants, the following provisions apply regarding the acquisition of commonage land. Where a share in commonage is registered on a folio as an undivided share, it can be purchased, rented or leased and submitted in a similar fashion to any non-commonage owned, rented or leased land. However, if the right to use commonage is a grazing right, the grazing right cannot be legally detached from the enclosed (green land) to which it is appurtenant. Any applicant wishing to submit commonage that is not registered, as an undivided share must also have control of the green land to which it is appurtenant and be in a position to declare such green land on their application form.
The stocking density requirements for each commonage parcel will be reviewed on an annual basis and provision will be made for new entrants, who are legally entitled to claim a share of the commonage. In addition, an existing shareholder, who may not have claimed his or her share of the commonage before or for some time will also be accommodated under the new requirements.
