Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 213: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will allow some flexibility in the implementation of the new commonage framework plan in order that farmers who are allowed to increase numbers are given enough time to meet the new minimum stocking levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17424/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Commonage Framework Plans which were drawn up between 2000 and 2004, are currently under review and it is expected that this review will be completed by June of 2012. The review is being carried out by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and my Department is co-operating with the process. The review will determine the minimum and maximum number of sheep each farmer will be allowed to have in relation to share(s) of commonage farmed. Discussions are ongoing as to how this review is to be implemented including consideration of the need for a lead in time.