Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2017
474. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if students who sit examinations for educational courses that qualify young farmers for a green certificate before the end of 2017 will be eligible to apply to the 2017 national reserve and young farmers scheme before the upcoming May deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15247/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to fulfil the agricultural educational requirements to qualify for the 2017 National Reserve applicants must have successfully completed a recognised course in agriculture giving rise to an award at FETAC level 6 or its equivalent by the 15th May 2017.
Where an applicant has fully completed their course by 15th May but has not yet been verified as successful or received final certification, a letter from the college should be submitted with the National Reserve application. Applications will not be further processed until the Department receives confirmation from the applicant that they have successfully passed all requirements to receive certification.
Under the 2015 National Reserve an exception was made which allowed students to qualify under the scheme before completion of their agricultural course. However, this exception did not receive the approval of the EU Commission. Consequently, in order to qualify for the 2017 National Reserve successful applicants must have successfully completed a recognised course of education in agriculture giving rise to an award at FETAC level 6 or its equivalent by the 15th May 2017.
Decisions in relation to the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme, including educational qualifications are made in consultation with the Direct Payments Advisory Committee which includes members of the main farming bodies and advisory services. Full Terms and Conditions of the 2017 National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme will be available shortly.
