Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 558: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 369 of 19 April 2005 (details supplied), if her officials have examined the situation for farmers with commonage in Achill and their application for the REP scheme. [19848/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Leased commonage is currently ineligible for payment in REPS because such leases have been associated with the over-grazing of upland commonages in the West. I am sympathetic, however, to the position of farmers who have traditionally farmed commonage in a sustainable way on long-term lease. I have asked my officials to devise proposals that will address their situation while safeguarding the integrity of REPS and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement shortly.