Agriculture Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2015

Thursday, 7 May 2015

Ceisteanna (92)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

92. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers whose mountain land is accidentally burned before 15 May in any year will be eligible for payment under the basic farm payment scheme and the greening scheme on the basis of force majeure in that year; to set out the situation that would arise if a third party, without the permission of the landholders, started a fire on the land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18074/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

All applicants under the Basic Payment Scheme, the Greening Payment and other area based schemes are obliged to comply with the EU Regulatory requirements on land eligibility. In order to benefit from payment under the Direct Payment Schemes the land must be eligible and must be maintained in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation.

The Wildlife Acts prohibit the burning of growing vegetation within the state between 1st March and 31st August of any given year. Controlled burning undertaken in full compliance with all of the relevant environmental legislative and other lawful requirements can be acceptable. In the case of Natura lands, i.e. lands designated as SAC and/or SPA, prior approval must be obtained under the Activities Requiring Consent (ARC) system as implemented by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Where burned lands are found at inspection by my Department officials or where cases are brought to the attention of my Department, a full evaluation will be undertaken on a case-by-case basis.