Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 220: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm reports that the minimum retention period to achieve the minimum stocking level has been increased from three months to seven months rather than six months as was announced in Budget 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17034/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is co-funded by the EU under the Rural Development Programme 2007/2013, it is necessary to obtain the agreement of the EU Commission to any proposed changes; my officials are involved in ongoing discussions with Commission officials in this regard and a decision is awaited. The proposal under discussion with the Commission is for a six-month retention period. It should be noted that the proposed criteria may be subject to some changes following the conclusion of the discussions with the EU Commission.