Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 April 2015
104. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider including the equine sector as an adjunct to the Scottish derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13692/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision known as the Scottish Derogation allows for the allocation of entitlements to persons who never held entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme but who were actively farming on 15 May 2013. Such allocation is restricted to those who 'produced, reared or grew agricultural products' in 2013 in those sectors traditionally supported under Pillar I in Ireland, i.e. the beef, dairy, sheep and arable sectors.
The original allocation of entitlements in Ireland under the Single Payment Scheme was based on the receipt of a direct payment in the period 2000-2002. In Ireland’s case this resulted in entitlements being allocated to farmers who were paid coupled support under the Suckler Cow Scheme, and/or the Special Beef Premium Scheme, and/or the Slaughter Premium Scheme, and/or the Ewe Premium Scheme and/or the Arable aid scheme. The farming of equines, pigs, poultry, etc during this original reference period did not attract the allocation of entitlements under the Single Payment Scheme and consequently they will not participate in the Basic Payment Scheme.
The application of the Scottish Derogation to the traditional sectors supported by direct payments is consistent with the overall implementation of the Single Payment Scheme and the new Basic Payment Scheme.
