Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 1346: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the position in regard to lost or terminated farm leases which were not the fault of the lessor but where the lessor suffered a financial loss (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1627/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The main thrust of the Mid-Term Review proposals of the European Commission favoured the actual farmers, who were farming during the 2000 to 2002 reference period. During the negotiations on the Commission's proposals, Ireland sought accommodation for the successors of retired farmers, whose lands were leased during this reference period. Following the successful conclusion to the negotiations, the implementing Regulations contained provisions, which cater for the allocation of Single Payment entitlements from the National Reserve to the successors of retired farmers when they take over and farm the lands which were leased out during the 2000 to 2002 reference period.

Furthermore, under the provisions of the Historical Model of the Single Payment Scheme, which was implemented in Ireland, applicants are required to declare an eligible hectare for each Single Payment entitlement held in order to draw down their full payment. Therefore, contrary to expectations this has resulted in an increase in the rental value of leased or rented lands in Ireland since the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme.