Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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127. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding an application for a herd number by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35521/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As expected, there was a considerable increase in activity in relation to herd numbers arising from the new Basic Payments Scheme negotiated in the context of CAP reform.  As a result, there was a significant increase, earlier this year, in applicants to my Department’s Regional Veterinary Offices for new herd numbers and amendments to existing herd numbers. These requests were processed as quickly as possible.  In this context, priority was given to cases relating to applicants under the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme where a minimum stocking density requirement exists. An application under the ANC Scheme was received from the person named on 20 May 2015. Payment under the ANC Scheme has not yet issued as, at this stage, the holding concerned has not yet satisfied the Scheme minimum stocking density requirements for 2015.

A herdnumber was issued in respect the holding of the person named on 10 June 2015. The ANC scheme’s eligibility rules require the maintenance of 0.15 livestock units for each forage hectare declared, from this period until year end.

An examination of end of year data will be undertaken in early January 2016. This exercise will establish the definitive position of the holding of the person named. Should that revalidation confirm that the holding has satisfied the Scheme requirements since inception of the herdnumber, the case will be further processed with a view to payment issuing at the earliest possible date thereafter.