Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 240: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to farmers in the Gap of Dunloe, Blackvalley, County Kerry who have horses and ponies, will they be able to continue the practice of using these animals when it comes to claiming entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8679/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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While the proposed changes to the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme await the response of the EU Commission, necessitated as the Scheme forms part of our Rural Development Programme 2007/2013, which is co-funded by the EU, the proposal relating to the eligibility of equines in the calculation of applicants' stocking density is prompted by the need to make the Scheme more focused. However, it is specifically proposed that those engaged in equine breeding enterprises will continue to be otherwise eligible, subject to specific criteria in this regard currently being developed. Furthermore, it is envisaged that provision will be made for consideration, on a case by case basis, of cases deemed to represent force majeure/exceptional circumstances; should the proposed changes be approved, it is intended that all those who are shown not to have achieved the qualifying stocking density for 2011 will be written to and offered the opportunity to outline any circumstance which restricted the activity in 2011.

Question No. 241 withdrawn.