Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 405: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm that there is no change to the consolidation arrangements under the single farm payment scheme 2009 following the health check changes and that the facility is available for applicants in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7065/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that provisions for the consolidation of Single Payment entitlements continue to form part of the EU Regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme and the measure, which is discretionary for Member States, will continue to be implemented in Ireland. Following the adoption of the European Commission's proposals on the CAP Health Check, the Commission have proposed some necessary amendments to the detailed rules regulations. These proposed amendments, including some textual changes to the Article providing for consolidation, are currently under discussion at the EU Direct Payments Management Committee. The Commission expects that the amendments will be agreed at the meeting of the Committee on 18 March. In the meantime, my Department officials are in discussions with the Commission Services on the operation of the measure in Ireland.