Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

322. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the interpretation of ineligible areas under the disadvantage areas scheme will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13045/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

From the 2015 Scheme year the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme replaces the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. Under the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme an “eligible hectare” is land that is used for an agricultural activity. This Scheme is one of the measures that forms part of the 2014 – 2020 Rural Development Programme, which is currently awaiting the approval of the EU Commission. Under the proposed Scheme, the following areas are not eligible for payment under the ANC Scheme:

- Areas that contain ineligible features such as houses, roads, lakes, forests, rock, bog etc.

- Land which the applicant does not have at his disposal for the calendar year.

- Land on which there is no agricultural activity.

I can confirm, however, that I am prepared to pursue options that may assist farmers, who have marginal lands, in particular those that have designated land, in meeting the requirements of the Direct Payment regulations. My Department officials are in direct contact with the EU Commission with a view to progressing the issue and looking at all possible options.