Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I will look into the issue. I am quite familiar with the single farm payment scheme because we make an application in respect of our farm every year. I am also familiar with the types of land that are and are not eligible under the scheme. We have a great deal of clifftop land that is not eligible, for obvious reasons. If land is to be eligible, it has to be farmable land. It has to have the capacity to carry stock for grazing or rough grazing purposes, or to carry crops. If agricultural activity like grazing is not taking place on the land, the farmer is required to maintain the land in a reasonable condition. Topping may be required in such circumstances. If unwelcome growth is compromising the agricultural potential of the land, the farmer is required to deal with it. I will raise the issue with my officials. I was a little unsure about the point of the Deputy's original question. That is why my response was quite technical. If Deputy Moynihan wants to talk to me about the matter, I am available for such a discussion. If he thinks specific cases are being treated unfairly, we will examine them.

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