Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the response. As I am sure he is well aware, there is much concern in the farming community in regard to this review. The ANC payment can amount to about €4,000 for many farmers across the country. It is particularly important in more disadvantaged areas. I hoped that the Minister would be able to give me some new information regarding the process. We have been aware of what he said. I hope the Minister can clarify the timeline involved. When will the maps be published? Can he give an outline on that today?

Will there be an appeals system for any farmers who might be excluded? Would an appeals system and the consultation to which he referred be completed before he goes to the European Commission for approval?

Will the Minister give a commitment that every possible action will be taken by him and the Department to ensure that those who have payments retain them? It is also important that in the new ANC scheme there is proper funding that reflects the constraints of the land concerned so that farmers on hill land and severely constrained low land receive payments that properly reflect the difficulties involved in farming such areas.

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