Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The timeline that we are operating to, as determined by the Commission, is that we must have this matter completed for basic payment applications for 2018. We are working against the set of criteria that the Commission has laid down. As the Deputy knows, it was done previously under socioeconomic criteria. We are now operating on what they call biophysical criteria to do with slope, gradient, drainage, soil composition, elevation, etc. That work is under way. We expect to have maps in early summer to midsummer. That is what I am led to believe. We are committed, as the Deputy knows, in the programme for Government to increase the payments for 2018 by €25 million. There will be a consultation and engagement with stakeholders, including farmers, on this matter. Our ambition, as I have repeated, is that we would hold what we can where possible. That is certainly something to which I would be personally committed. I have no doubt that this is something my Department will hopefully be able to work towards as well. The criteria are laid down for us. We will be engaging with stakeholders as soon as we have maps to work with on those matters.