Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
421. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if donkeys are worth anything when it comes to stocking densities and fulfilling requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20854/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn terms of donkeys having a value in relation to the various schemes and in particular in relation to the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme, donkeys are eligible for inclusion in the calculation to meet the stocking density requirement of the Scheme at a rate of 0.8 livestock unit each. In addition, they must be owned by the applicant who holds a valid passport for the donkey registered in the name of the applicant. All donkeys must be maintained on the applicants holding.
It is important to note that since the 2020 scheme year, only 50% of the overall stocking density requirement can be fulfilled using donkeys. Applicants are required to use other types of livestock (cattle, sheep, goats, horses, deer) to fulfil the other 50% stocking density requirement.
