Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 941: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if bogland at Kilbride, County Sligo is under the ownership of persons (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40330/05]

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

It appears from my Department's records that ownership of the rights of turbary, but not the fee simple, of the bogland in question is in the name of the Minister for Agriculture and Food, as successor to the former Land Commission. It is anticipated that a scheme for the allotment of the said rights of turbary will be prepared by my inspectorate later this year.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 942: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to abolish the three hectare minimum limit rule in regard to the disadvantaged areas compensatory allowance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40372/05]

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

Ireland's rural development plan 2000-06 has its legal basis in EU Council Regulation 1257/1999, Article 14.2 of which states, "Compensatory allowances shall be granted per hectare of areas used for agriculture to farmers who farm a minimum area of land to be defined". The minimum area of three hectares has been applicable in Ireland since the introduction of compensatory allowances in 1975. The requirements for the disadvantaged areas scheme in the new rural development plan 2007-13 will be finalised in the coming months.