Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 114: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will report on the meeting of the EU direct payments management committee on 18 March 2009 at which amendments to the scheme of consolidation of single payment entitlements here were scheduled for discussion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12007/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The draft Commission Regulation implementing the Health Check changes has been under discussion at the Direct Payments Management Committee for some months and was discussed again at a meeting on 18 March. The draft Regulation provides for a continuation of the provisions relating to the consolidation of entitlements which is applicable to all Member States including Ireland. The main change for 2009 and subsequent years is that following the Health Check agreement, land that gave right to a single payment in 2008 and has since been afforested continues to be regarded as eligible land for the purposes of the Single Payment Scheme. Farmers need not therefore avail of consolidation in these circumstances.