Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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99. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a farmer who did not receive a single payment but did receive the sheep grassland scheme that has now been converted into single payment will be excluded from the Scottish derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15045/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Any farmer who was eligible to receive a direct payment in excess of €100 under the 2013 scheme year holds an automatic right to receive entitlements under the Basic Payment Scheme in 2015. A direct payment is defined as any payment received under the Single Payment Scheme, the Grassland Sheep Scheme, the Burren Conservation Scheme or the Beef Data Programme.

It is presumed that the farmer in question did receive a payment in excess of €100 under the Grassland Sheep Scheme in 2013 and consequently holds an automatic right to receive entitlements in 2015 under the Basic Payment Scheme. In addition, presuming that the farmer received a Grassland Sheep payment in 2014, the value of the 2014 payment will carry forward and will form the basis of the calculation of the value of his new entitlements.

Persons who never held entitlements under the Single Payment but who actively farmed in 2013 in either the beef, dairy, sheep or arable sectors are eligible to receive an allocation of entitlements under the provision known as the Scottish Derogation, however this provision is not required for the situation outlined above as the right to receive entitlements is automatically conferred through participation in the Grassland Sheep Scheme.

If this person requires more detailed information on the individual case or any aspect of the Basic Payment Scheme and related applications they should contact CAP Information Centre at 0761 064438 or by email at CAPdirectpayments@agriculture.gov.ie.