Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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87. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a review will be carried out by his Department on the stocking rate requirements currently being imposed on a farmer (details supplied) in County Donegal with regard to their current circumstances in order for them to continue to avail of their current payment while the situation is resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9496/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The person named was approved for participation in the 2012 Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS 3) with effect from 1 May 2013 and payment has issued in respect of the 2013 and 2014 Scheme years.

Under the EU Regulations governing the Scheme and other area-based payment schemes, a comprehensive administrative check, including cross-checks with the Land Parcel Identification System, must be completed before any payment can issue.

The stocking density pertinent to AEOS is the one provided in the sustainable management plan prepared by the applicant’s planner in accordance with the scheme specifications published by my Department. These stocking numbers must be adhered to for the duration of the plan.

However, under the Terms and Conditions of the scheme, a Force Majeure clause may be invoked to terminate the plan if a beneficiary is unable to continue complying with the commitments given for reasons beyond their control.

In such cases the herdowner, or their representative, should inform the Department in writing to the AEOS Section, Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford, with relevant evidence, within ten working days of being able to do so. Each such case can then be considered on its own particular merits.