Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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132. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views that to ensure compliance with Regulation 27 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, he should have considered the appropriate assessment process prior to making significant reference area reductions on the Cloghaun, Kilbeg, Kilnagappagh, Gortnaglev, Derrybrien West and Keelderry commonages, located in the Slieve Aughty special protection area (details supplied) in County Galway, in view of the precautionary principle, and with specific reference to Regulation 27 of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12510/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Under the provisions of the governing EU Regulations, in particular, Regulation EU No 1307/2013, my Department is only entitled to make payments under the Basic Payment Scheme, and the Greening Payment on land that meets the requirements of the Regulations. The determinations referred to were carried out to ensure that the regulatory requirements would continue to be adhered to in the processing of applications under the Direct Payment Schemes. The determinations made do not impact on the designated habitats in any way. As a significant element of the exclusions relate to the lack of any agricultural activity being carried out by claimants on the land they are declaring for payment purposes, it is open to the claimants to restore this land to an eligible status for payment purposes by commencing an agricultural activity on the land in question. It is also noted that payment can be made under the GLAS Scheme on those areas which are not currently eligible for payment under the Basic Payment and Greening Payment Schemes.