Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 425: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applicants for disadvantaged area payments on a county basis whose land-holding was in excess of 35 hectares in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37063/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The following numbers of applicants under the 2007 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme submitted applications comprising qualifying land in excess of 34 hectares.

Against the background of the deterioration in public finances, my approach in preparing the 2009 estimates for my Department was to protect expenditure for major developmental measures in the agri-food sector. Savings had to be found in other areas and reluctantly, I decided to reduce expenditure under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme for 2009. In reducing the maximum area limit to 34 hectares (84 acres) and by a small increase in the minimum stocking density requirement, the reduction will be implemented in a targeted manner. In reducing expenditure I have sought to target the payments, maintain the productive capacity of the sector and ensure that the majority of farmers will not suffer reductions in their payments.