Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

Going back to the Minister's earlier answer, under the current single farm payment system, can the Minister find out if part of the payment can be taken off farmers, no matter what other penalties are imposed, if they cut turf next year in one of the 55 SAC bogs? The Minister will have to find that out because the Turf Cutters and Contractors Association is finding it very difficult to get a definitive answer on this. We wrote to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food asking for a yes or no answer and we got every word in the English language bar yes or no in reply. We must find this out for definite.

What is the Government's policy on the capping of payments in negotiations? How low could the cap apply below €300,000? Could it go down to €200,000 or €100,000 maximum? The less money goes into the rich person's hand, the more might potentially end up in the hands of younger farmers or those farming at a smaller level.

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