Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 437: To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the plans the National Parks and Wildlife Service has for the change of farming practices and methods and stock levels for hill farmers; and if any financial assistance will be given to affected farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23958/11]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)
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My Department, in association with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, is currently undertaking a review of all commonage framework plans. The review will provide the basis for the sustainable grazing of commonages, to avoid both over-grazing and under-grazing. It is envisaged that a minimum and maximum stocking level will be set for each commonage townland and owners of shares in the commonage will be notified of these levels. Farmers will be able to farm freely once these stocking levels are observed and the land is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition.

Farmers in certain areas, which are still assessed as being in bad condition, will continue to have their stock levels restricted over the next two years. The issue of financial assistance will be examined in the light of the review and of Departmental budgets.