Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There was extensive analysis of this by officials in my Department and engagement with farm organisations over past two years on trying to come to a solution. This is the most practical approach. It will have no direct impact on a farmer's daily activity on that land. I take issue with the statement that this will have a detrimental effect on farmers.

In response to the Deputy's specific question about how we adjudicate on what is in and what is out, it can lead to an inference that it is important to be out. It will not actually make a material difference to farmers' day-to-day activities. Due to our negotiation with the Commission - we hope it will approve the proposal that is with it now - that day-to-day activity can continue. It allows ploughing and reseeding to happen. It allows for the maintenance of existing drains and even for new drainage in line with existing planning requirements.

This is not the figure. It is only a baseline requirement for the single farm payment. That is what is required here. GAEC 8 and GAEC 9 use the LPIS as a small controllable area.

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