Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 224: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers living on the islands off the coast; her views on whether special consideration should be given to them; and if she has proposals for additional support in view of the extra costs associated with island farming. [3291/07]

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

According to the Central Statistics Office, there are 372 farmers living on off-shore islands. I am aware of their specific circumstances and have taken them into account under the new Rural Development Programme for 2007 to 2013. In the case of on-farm investments, reckonable standard costs will continue to be 25% higher for islands. Under the Rural Environmental Protection Scheme — REPS — eligible agricultural land on islands will be entitled to an additional 15% payment.

The new Rural Development Programme is awaiting EU approval. Apart from on-farm investment and REPS, it contains a variety of measures designed to address the needs of the agri-food sector. One such measure will provide continued support for farms — including those on islands — situated in disadvantaged agricultural areas.