Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2018
498. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there are concessions to the stocking density for ANC payment for cases in which tuberculosis has been identified and herds consequently depopulated and in which restocking is not practical due to the possibility of contracting the disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4362/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo qualify for the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme applicants must –
- Maintain a minimum stocking of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare for 7 consecutive months.
- Maintain an annual average stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare.
Applicants under the ANC scheme must own, possess, hold and maintain the livestock required to maintain the minimum stocking level - only certain types of livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, horses, donkeys and/or deer) are eligible for consideration under the scheme provided the relevant eligibility criteria are met.
There will be continued recognition of applicants who do not meet the minimum stocking requirement where particular circumstances arise and such cases are dealt with by the Department on its individual merits.
