Direct Payment Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2015

Thursday, 12 November 2015

Ceisteanna (102)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

102. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine why it is proposed to impose group penalties on farmers for non-compliance with cross-compliance issues on commonages under the current Common Agriculture Policy, when European Union Regulation No. 809 of 2014, Item 86, allows for such non-cross-compliance penalties to only apply to non-compliant members individually, rather than to the group as a whole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39852/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

There is a requirement under EU Regulations governing the Direct Payment Schemes to carry out inspections covering both the eligibility of the land declared to draw down payments and also cross compliance aspects to ensure compliance with EU regulatory requirements. Where a cross compliance breach of the requirements can be assigned to an individual applicant she/he receives the reduction. In cases where responsibilities are shared then a reduction may apply to all applicants.