The introduction of the new Basic Payment Scheme in 2015 will see the establishment of a National Reserve. This will be funded using 3% of the Basic Payment Scheme ceiling which is the maximum allowable under the EU Regulations and will provide a fund of €24.8 million.
Priority under the National Reserve is given to those persons who qualify as young farmers and new entrants. An allocation from the National Reserve may consist of either an allocation of new entitlements or an increase in the value of existing entitlements up to the national average entitlement value.