Mr. Paud Evans:

Deputy Kyne referred to the figures given with regard to the amount of land involved. We spoke about these previously in the context of what farmers either declare or do not declare. The figures provided by Dr. Bleasdale relate to the total reference area. The latter is the total eligible area as we see it and this amounts to approximately 430,000 ha. The figure of 300,000 ha represents the total area claimed by farmers in 2012. As stated earlier, some farmers do not claim their entire share. Other reasons for the difference between the two figures include dormant shareholders.

Dormancy is an issue that continues to arise. It is going to crop up more and more in both the committee's discussions and in our consultation process. There may be other solutions other than paying someone to leave part of a commonage unfarmed. There may be other solutions at which we must look. There are legal issues with regard to how commonage can be claimed. Claimants will have their own views on this. This is not official policy, but it is possible that those who are using commonages at present might be able to lease or rent more of the land involved from dormant shareholders in order to obtain higher payments. If this were to happen, it would also ensure that the relevant commonage would be fully utilised, grazed properly and kept in GAEC. This is an approach to which consideration could be given. However, I am not sure whether this would be legal or would meet the requirements under the relevant EU regulations.

We need to speak to the people farming the lands and we will look at the issues in that context. Senator Ó Domhnaill questioned me on the commonage farmers to whom I spoke. I did not get as far as County Donegal. The farmers came to speak to me. Generally I have spoken to farmers from Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Leitrim, Kerry and Cork who all farm commonages and gave me their views.