Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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215. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider allowing farm laneways to be included in the total area allowed for area aid payment as has been the case in the past in view of the fact that these laneways are an essential and integral part of internal farm infrastructure which permits the maximum return from grass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41776/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Payments under the Single Payment Scheme may be made only in respect of eligible land. The rules governing land eligibility are defined in EU Regulations and for ease of reference, are detailed in the Scheme Terms and Conditions booklet that issues annually to all applicants. In the case of each hectare the eligible area excludes amongst other exclusions, any areas under roads, paths and areas fenced off from grazing use.

I must point out that practically all agricultural land is now eligible for SPS payments with the exception of:

- land under permanent crops,

- forestry that was planted prior to 2009 with the exception of Forestry Set-aside,

- forestry planted on eligible land, or

- any land used for non-agricultural purposes (golf courses, etc.).