Knowledge Transfer Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2017

Thursday, 2 March 2017

Ceisteanna (295)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

295. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the knowledge transfer programme under the rural development programme and the reported complaints about the high costs associated with animal health measures and veterinary charges, the tight timeframe for completing work and the high levels of bureaucracy involved which may be disincentivising greater participation in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11049/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The Knowledge Transfer Programme is included in Ireland's Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020.  Year one of the scheme runs from 1st June, 2016 to 31st May, 2017, and groups and national events are underway across all sectors.  My Department is continuing to engage with Group Facilitators in relation to timelines for completion and the phased roll out of the Farm Improvement Plan element of the Programme.   In relation, to the costs related to the veterinary input into animal health measures, this issue featured in the negotiation of the Programme with the EU Commission and veterinary costs are not eligible under the articles of the Rural Development Regulation on which the Knowledge Transfer Programme is based.  However, costings for the farmers’ time in completing the animal health measures in conjunction with a veterinary practitioner are included in payments to farmers.