Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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13. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has reviewed the 12 point plan provided to him by the hill farmers group to provide a workable approach for farmers to be able to access the GLAS scheme; his views on adopting the options put forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48275/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Following my recent meeting with hill-farmer representatives, I have examined very carefully the 12 point ‘Proposed Implementation Strategy for Commonages in Ireland’, on which much of our discussion centred.

The proposed measures in the new RDP, including GLAS, have been framed in light of the experience of the previous Rural Development programming period and are based on an objective analysis of sectoral needs and priorities and an extensive stakeholder consultation process.

The issues raised in the Proposed Implementation Strategy for Commonages in Ireland’have been thoroughly examined as part of the ongoing process of RDP design and implementation – for example, the issues relating to stocking levels, appointment of advisors for Commonage Management Plans, and the 50% participation rate have been central to the development of GLAS. The need to ensure a coherent approach to commonage management across Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 has also been an important element in the design of GLAS.

On many of the issues raised by the hill-farmers representatives, I am glad to say that there is much common ground.

My priority now is to continue the current negotiations with the EU Commission in relation to reaching agreement on both GLAS and the RDP as a whole. Securing agreement with the Commission on our RDP proposals will enable GLAS to be opened for applications, and agreement by stakeholders on the way forward in terms of commonages is crucial in this regard. Accordingly, I will continue to liaise with stakeholders as the approval process for GLAS and the RDP develops.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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14. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will permit farmers with commonage rights attached to their farms to enter the GLAS scheme without the need for agreement of 50% of farmers grazing commonages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48273/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Firstly let me say that my priority is putting in place requirements for commonages that will deliver real and measurable environmental benefits and will be acceptable to the European Commission.

The proposed measures in the new RDP, including GLAS, have been framed in light of the experience of the previous Rural Development programming period and are based on an objective analysis of sectoral needs and priorities and an extensive stakeholder consultation process.

The issues raised by the farmer representatives have been thoroughly examined as part of the ongoing process of RDP design and implementation – for example, the issues relating to stocking levels, appointment of advisors for Commonage Management Plans, and the 50% participation rate have been central to the development of GLAS. The need to ensure a coherent approach to commonage management across Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 has also been an important element in the design of GLAS.

Reaching the 50% is an important target but will not be a barrier to entry and if the Advisor believes that it cannot be reached, s/he will advise the Department. Where necessary, the independently chaired Commonage Implementation Committee will play a role in difficult cases and this will be carried out in a timely fashion.

My priority now is to continue the current negotiations with the EU Commission in relation to reaching agreement on both GLAS and the RDP as a whole. Securing agreement with the Commission on our RDP proposals will enable GLAS to be opened for applications, and agreement by stakeholders on the way forward in terms of commonages is crucial in this regard. Accordingly, I will continue to liaise with stakeholders as the approval process for GLAS and the RDP develops.