Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2015
368. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a commonage framework plan remains valid after its implementation date expires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15549/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commonage Framework Plans establish recommended grazing levels to protect against both overgrazing and undergrazing of commonage land. These recommendations in turn form the basis for the new management regime applying to commonages under GLAS, unless a sound scientific assessment for alternative stocking rates is provided by a Commonage Advisor. Commonage farmers who join GLAS must then respect the grazing levels outlined in their new Commonage Management Plans for the duration of their contract period. Once individual GLAS contracts expire, the relevant provisions of the Plan – including the individual stocking requirements - continue to apply to those commonage farmers who remain in GLAS.
While individual stocking requirements are not a condition of the Basic Payment Scheme, farmers should bear in mind that commonage land must be maintained in eligible condition to continue to qualify for payment under that scheme.
