Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017

Tuesday, 14 February 2017

Ceisteanna (557)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

557. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 1445 of 17 January 2017, the reason the date cited by him in the reply regarding when a sheep census return was received contradicts that which was communicated to the person in earlier correspondence issued by his Department (details supplied); the reason this discrepancy has occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6812/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As per the reply to the Parliamentary Question of 17 January, processing of the application in question under the 2016 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme identified non-compliance with the minimum stocking density requirements.  Flock owners under the ANC scheme are required to have submitted the annual sheep census return by 16 May 2016. In the case of the person named the census return was not received until 23 May 2016.  A letter issued to the person named informing him of the late date of receipt of census and the impact of same on their ANC scheme application.  

In response to Parliamentary Question 1445 of 17 January 2017 the date of receipt was incorrectly quoted as 19 May 2016.  This was a typographical error and any inconvenience or confusion caused is regretted.