Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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279. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers participating in cattle discussion groups and in sheep discussion groups are eligible for two payments; if so, the rate of payment; if a farmer's own veterinary practitioner can prepare the new animal health requirements under discussion group measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39301/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with the provisions of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 participation in more than one Knowledge Transfer Group is not currently permitted. This is based primarily on the risk of double funding arising from commonality in the Knowledge Transfer scheme for the various sectors. However, following consultation with stakeholders, I have recently asked officials in my Department to examine the commitments required of farmers across the Knowledge Transfer sectors. This will be done with a view to establishing an appropriate reduced payment rate for participation in a second Knowledge Transfer Group in another sector while avoiding double funding.

As part of the Knowledge Transfer programme all participating farmers will be required, following one to one discussion with their facilitator, to complete a tailored Farm Improvement Plan (FIP). This plan will include Animal Health Measures for some sectors and participating farmers must engage an approved Knowledge Transfer private veterinary practitioner (PVP) to complete this aspect. The Department will shortly be calling for expressions of interest from PVPs who wish to be registered under the Knowledge Transfer programme. A full list of Knowledge Transfer registered PVPs will be published on the Department’s website as soon as it is available.