Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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503. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans under the Common Agricultural Policy, Pillar 2, to compensate farmers who have lost out financially following the phasing out of the REP scheme and cuts to disadvantaged area payments. [30124/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 under which the current disadvantaged areas and agri-environment schemes are co-funded by the EU is coming to an end. The policy framework for the next programming period 2014-2020 is under negotiation at present and, when finalised, a new Rural Development Plan will be put in place. At that stage, I will examine all of the options and opportunities available to ensure that the maximum benefit is derived from the funding available.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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504. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if, under his proposals for Common Agricultural Policy reform, farmers who were previously precluded from receiving remuneration for afforestation on their land prior to 2005 will receive any remuneration for afforestation via direct payments or annual premiums under the new CAP regime; if not, if he will consider making financial provision for farmers with afforested land under the greening element of the new CAP, or if he has any proposals to introduce a carbon sequestration payment for farmers whose land has been afforested for over 10 years thus having a fully developed canopy and significant environmental value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30174/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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We are now in the final phase of the negotiations on the reform of the CAP. This week I am chairing the final meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers under the Irish Presidency, and I am seeking to achieve an overall political agreement between the three EU institutions that will shape the development of the sector over the remainder of this decade.

In terms of the future structure of the single farm payment system for Irish farmers - or indeed any other aspect of the CAP reform package - I do not intend to take decisions until the deal is finalised and the full outcome is known. I will then consider all aspects of the new pillar 1 and pillar 2 optional measures, and consult with stakeholders, before I make any decisions at national level.