Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2017
238. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to keep the national reserve refunded in the future to cover all areas currently requiring funding, such as new entrants, forgotten farmers and young farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14307/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2015 the National Reserve fund was based on a 3% cut to the Basic Payment Scheme financial ceiling and provided some €24 million in funding. Some 6,250 applicants were allocated entitlements under the 2015 National Reserve. There was no National Reserve in 2016 as all available funding of €24 million had been fully utilised under the 2015 scheme. In 2017 the National Reserve is being funded from a linear cut to all entitlements held under the Basic Payment Scheme.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment Department officials consulted with the EU Commission with regard to funding of ‘specific disadvantage’ categories such as ‘Forgotten farmer’ under the National Reserve in 2017 and future years. The Commission has confirmed that Member States cannot use the proceeds of a linear cut to fund the specific disadvantage categories of the National Reserve. The only funding option for this category is natural replenishment, but only after the 2 priority categories of ‘young farmer’ and ‘new entrant’ have been catered for.
Decisions in relation to the funding and operation of the National Reserve in future years can only be made once the position regarding remaining funding following the 2017 scheme year becomes apparent. Consultation between Department officials and the Direct Payments Advisory Committee comprising members of the main farming organisations, agricultural education and farm advisory bodies takes place annually as part of the decision making process for the National Reserve.
