Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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104. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason farmers are no longer allowed to nominate a person in their stead, such as a spouse, partner, son, or daughter, to attend the knowledge transfer courses; the reason a person on a traditional mixed farm can no longer receive a grant for attending more than one knowledge transfer course, for example, in beef and sheep; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34922/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme Knowledge Transfer Groups across a range of sectors, including beef, dairy and sheep, will be established. The design of the measure has been informed by experience from previous discussion groups, extensive stakeholder consultation, and the relevant EU regulations. Participants are required to attend Knowledge Transfer Group meetings and complete a Farm Improvement Plan. I believe that the combination of both farmer knowledge exchange meetings and one to one interaction between the farmer and advisor in the development of a Farm Improvement Plan will ensure the transfer and exchange of information and best practice to participating farmers. As currently constituted, participation in more than one Knowledge Transfer Group across sectors is not permitted. This is largely due to potential double funding which would arise from the completion of more than one Farm Improvement Plan for a single farming enterprise. I have, however, asked my officials to examine how farmers could participate in more than one Knowledge Transfer group across two sectors, while at the same time avoiding double funding issues.

The issue of allowing a named nominee to attend a Knowledge Transfer Group has been raised on a number of occasions. Following on from further consideration of this issue, an appropriate named nominee will now be allowed to attend meetings in the place of a farmer participating in a Knowledge Transfer Group. This would include spouses/partners or children of 18 years or more.

My officials are continuing to consult with relevant stakeholders in order to ensure the most efficient and effective roll out of the Knowledge Transfer Groups.