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

I have been informed by the project team that anybody who has applied who has not yet been taken into the project will be taken in by April or May this year, that is, within the next month or six weeks. My information is that everybody who has applied and wants to go in will go into the project. I believe that is about 60% of the eligible area designated for hen harriers.

On areas of natural constraint, ANC, appeals there is budgetary provision for ANCs of €250 million. The eligible applicants will be divided by the pot of money. That is how it happens. The average payment currently works out at approximately €2,500.

With regard to the €70,000 limit on incentives for young farmers, there has been many conversations in the Department with farm organisations, with Revenue and with the Commission on this matter. The figure of €70,000 was not plucked out of the sky in the 2018 or 2019 budgets. The figure has been there since the current CAP iteration. From engagements we have had, I am satisfied that there is an appropriate interpretation now being taken by Revenue on matters to the benefit of farmers. If the Deputy finds this is not the case I would be interested in hearing it. That is the engagement I have had and I have seen commentary to that effect also from farm organisations.