Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
1409. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is intended to restore the level of ANC payments to the 2008 level they were when reduced due to the financial crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1006/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Development Plan (RDP), 2014-2020 includes an allocation of €1,370m for the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme. In addition, the Programme for a Partnership Government sets out the commitment to increase the budget for the ANC Scheme by €25m in Budget 2018.
In parallel, the Rural Development Regulation requires all Member States to designate eligible areas under the ANC Scheme by reference to new biophysical criteria by 2018. This will entail the insertion of a new Areas of Natural Constraints scheme into the RDP by way of a formal amendment. The technical work underlying this process is currently underway.
