Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)

There are changes to the qualification criteria for the disadvantaged area scheme in terms of the proviso regarding approximately two sheep per hectare. I support this as a means of ensuring the money goes to genuine farmers rather than hobby farmers. However, there must be some criteria other than simply the numeric capacity of the land. There will be genuine cases of farming families who cannot reach the required stocking levels for the six-month period to which the Minister referred. I ask the Minister to consider putting in place a mechanism to accommodate such people.

As the Minister is about to depart for negotiations in Europe, it would be remiss of me not to wish him and his negotiating team the very best. They have our good wishes and support as they depart.

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