Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the retrospective stocking rate threshold for the area based compensation scheme for farmers on small holdings who are restricted to seasonal stocking due to poor land quality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17368/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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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 proposals as submitted to the Commission regarding changes to the minimum stocking density require applicants in 2012 to have met a minimum stocking density of 0.3 livestock units per forage hectare in 2011. Where applicants do not meet this requirement, it is intended that provision will be made for exceptional circumstances, including recognised Force Majeure. Provision will also be made for those restricted by Environmental Plans.

It should be noted that the proposed criteria may be subject to some changes following the conclusion of the discussions with the EU Commission.