Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The areas of natural constraints or disadvantaged areas payment is enormously significant for almost 100,000 farmers and I or any incumbent in my office would be obliged to take every step possible to protect the payment against anything that threatens it. When there is a review there is a question over what the outcome of the review will be. It would be preferable if we could seek and secure a continuation of the existing arrangements for a period of time, and it is undefined at this stage how long that might be. It would be incumbent on me to pursue that option.

What arose in the context of the refinement of EU regulations dealing with the rural development programme was a request proposed by Austria, which we supported, that this particular proposal would be deferred for a period of time. It is likely to be at least 12 months. The Commission has yet to finalise that. It is part of what is called an omnibus regulation. To the best of my recollection, it was raised at last month's Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting and we supported the Austrian proposal, as did a number of other member states. It is not certain yet whether the Commission will acquiesce in that request, but I believe it would be a good development. It would secure the status quofor a period of time that has yet to be defined. The reason an extension of time for the current scheme is being sought is that various member states are struggling to have the necessary work completed. Some members states have it completed and can opt into the new regime as soon as they are ready, but the Austrian position arose because it is not ready. We are not ready either and if this gives us more time to prepare, that is well and good.

A consultation with the stakeholders will be critical to the preparations at any stage. I have given a commitment to that in the House previously when the Deputy and others have raised this matter. That will continue to be the case.

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