Agriculture Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2015

Thursday, 26 February 2015

Ceisteanna (96)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

96. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department plans to use the option, under the permanent grassland rules as set out in article 4(h) of the Direct Payments Regulation 1307/2014, to identify land, which forms part of the established practices, where herbs and grasses are traditionally not predominant in the grazing area; if so, the areas that will be defined as permanent grassland, under established local practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8690/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

In accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 1307/2014 and of other relevant regulations, Member States may decide that land which can be grazed and which forms part of established local practices where grasses and other herbaceous forage are traditionally not predominant in grazing areas is to be considered to be permanent grassland. The areas as described, excluding established scrub and ungrazed heather will, in general terms, be eligible under the Basic Payment Scheme provided there is evidence of an agricultural activity being carried out. In reality such areas (upland heather) were already eligible in Ireland under the Single Payment Scheme and this remains the position under the Basic Payment Scheme. The agricultural activity required must be appropriate to the type of land involved and should ensure that the area eligible for payment remains in this state.