Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
583. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a matter will be clarified for a person (details supplied) who was unable to source cattle to meet the stocking rate; if they still qualify for the ANC payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12882/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Terms and Conditions of the 2020 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme require applicants to meet minimum stock retention and stocking density requirements.
Changes to the terms and conditions of the scheme were introduced for the 2020 scheme year whereby donkeys could only account for 50% of an applicant’s stocking requirements under the scheme. With effect from 2020, applicants are required to use other livestock to fulfil the other 50% requirement.
The introduction of this change was detailed in the 2019 Terms and Conditions of the scheme which issued to applicants in February 2019. This was to ensure that applicants had sufficient time to make the necessary adjustments to their farming practices to meet the amended requirements coming into effect for the 2020 scheme year. In order to meet the remaining 50% of their stocking density applicants can use sheep, goats, horses, or deer.
All applicants to the scheme in 2020 must comply with all requirements as set out under the scheme terms and conditions in order to be eligible to receive payment under the ANC scheme in 2020.
In line with previous scheme years, applicants who encounter specific issues relating to their individual circumstances may submit an appeal in writing to my Department, providing any relevant supporting documentation.
