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Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2017

Tuesday, 26 September 2017

Ceisteanna (435)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

435. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether it is of vital importance there is an increase in ANC payments in mountain grazing areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40435/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the EU Rural Development Regulation each Member State may designate areas eligible for payments under the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme.  In 2015 the ANC scheme replaced the Disadvantages Areas Scheme (DAS).  Payments, based on a range of socio-economic factors, are made on three separate land types and related payment rates as follows:

- Mountain Type Land: Paid at €109.71 on first 10 forage hectares, or part thereof, and €95.99 per hectare on remaining hectares up to a maximum of 34 hectares.

- More Severely Handicapped Lowland: Paid at €95.99 per forage hectare up to a maximum of 30 hectares.

- Less Severely Handicapped Lowland and Coastal Areas with Specific Handicaps: Paid at €82.27 per forage hectare up to a maximum of 30 hectares.

The Rural Development Regulation also sets out that, in future, all eligible disadvantaged areas must be designated using a set list of bio-physical criteria such as soil moisture, soil drainage, soil texture, slope. My Department has commenced work on this project, and relevant technical experts are currently working on sourcing and analysing the data in relation to the new criteria. This analysis will identify areas deemed to be facing natural constraints, which will in parallel be subjected to a refinement process.  The timing for the introduction of this new designation is dependent on the outcome of current discussions at EU level in relation to the 'Omnibus Proposal.'

The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to increase the budget for the Scheme by €25m in Budget 2018.  This commitment will be considered via the annual budgetary process.  I am committed to ensuring that all available funds under the scheme are targeted in the most effective manner.

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