Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----and it is not based on fact. As the Deputy knows, we have held meetings regarding the concerns of commonage and hill farmers about qualification for single farm payment, stocking rates, problems of destocking and under-grazing, eligibility for GLAS and the process of applying for GLAS payments. We have spoken about that a number of times. Deputy Kyne has also raised it with me repeatedly.

We are trying to show as much flexibility as we can, to reflect the realities of commonage farming, while at the same time ensuring we get approval from the Commission and that we do not get a significant fine or disallowance from the Commission due to implementing something inappropriately. We are continuing that process.

Yes, I will meet Deputies from areas that are concerned about this to discuss what we have been doing. I virtually have a daily conversation with Deputy Kyne on this issue and I have also spoken to Deputy Ó Cuív about it on many occasions, both on and off the record.

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