Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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326. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine with regard to the terms and conditions of the areas of natural constraint scheme if he will consider in the case of breeding Conamara ponies, relaxing the requirement for horses to foal every second year in order for the animals to be eligible for inclusion in the stocking rate calculation; if he acknowledges, the importance of the Conamara pony as an indigenous animal, the difficulties in the Conamara pony market, and how this measure impacts on same; if he acknowledges that to ensure a Conamara pony foals every second year, it may be necessary to cover her every year to ensure she becomes eligible, thereby adding to the costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36423/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Following the implementation of the new Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, an Area of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme was introduced. This scheme replaces the former Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and the Less Favoured Areas Scheme. The ANC Scheme is worth €195 million annually to some 100,000 farmers and in excess of €1.3 billion over the life time of the Programme. The annual budget of €195 million is in line with previous years funding and is focused on those farmers who are most actively pursuing a farming activity and contributing to the economic life of the rural areas where they farm.

While horses are not eligible for the stocking density calculation under the ANC Scheme, the terms and conditions of the scheme do recognise the important contribution and role of horse breeding enterprises and accordingly set out that equine breeders who have met certain conditions are eligible for support.

Given the importance of breeds such as the Connemara Pony, and the challenges faced by breeders in ensuring their continued role in maintaining Ireland’s biological diversity, I have also sought to ensure that certain breeds are eligible for support under the Department’s agri-environment Schemes. This was the case in both REPS and AEOS, and in securing agreement for GLAS under Ireland’s new RDP, 2014-2020 I can confirm that targeted support is also included for Connemara ponies in the new programming period. The support rate available under GLAS is €200 per livestock unit, up to a maximum of ten units.