Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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261. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if lowland farmers in marginal land areas could have access to the new Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environmental Scheme, as at present, there is no category to cover these farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6702/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Lowland farmers in marginal lands can qualify for GLAS in any one of the three tiers planned. If they have a priority environmental asset, such as one of the identified bird species, Natura land, high-status water or keep rare breeds of cattle, sheep or horses, or farm organically, they will qualify for Tier 1 access to GLAS. If they have a vulnerable water course on their land and commit to protecting it, or if they commit to certain other actions, they can access GLAS through Tier 2. Finally, if they simply choose to select actions from the list of options in Tier 3, they can also apply to join GLAS that way.