Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2015
367. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding herd numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19862/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs expected, there has been a considerable increase in activity in regard to herdnumbers arising from the new Basic Payments Scheme negotiated in the context of CAP reform. As a result, there has been a significant increase in applicants to my Department’ s Regional Veterinary Officess for new herdnumbers and amendments to existing herdnumbers and these are being processed as quickly as possible. In this context, priority is being given to cases relating to applicants under the Areas of Natural Constraints Scheme where a minimum stocking density requirement exists.
My Department has also made a number of special arrangements designed to ensure that the non-issue of a herdnumber by the relevant scheme closing date will not impact negatively on applicants under the Basic Payments Scheme. For example, where an applicant under the National Reserve priority categories of ‘young farmer’ and ‘new entrant’ had not been issued a herd number or added to a herd number by the closing date of 31 March 2015, their application under the National Reserve is being accepted once they had applied for a herd number or to be added to a herd number prior to 31 March 2015. Similarly, applicants under the Young Farmers Scheme who have not been issued a herd number or added to a herd number by the closing date of 29 May 2015 will have their applications under the Scheme accepted once they have applied for a herd number or to be added to a herd number prior to 29 May.
In addition, my Department is in the process of modifying the iNET online system to provide a facility whereby an on-line application can be submitted by arable farmers with greening obligations or organic farmers in cases where the applicants do not have a herd number or a live herd number. It will, therefore, be possible for Authorised Agents to submit online applications on behalf of farmers, who do not currently hold an active herd number. If any farmers are concerned about this matter, they can contact my Department at 0761 064441 or send an email to greening@agriculture.gov.ie. Finally, the Deputy will also probably be aware that I have recently extended the deadline for receipt of GLAS applications.
