Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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174. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of stocking density for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6340/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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An application under the 2015 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme was received from the person named on 24 April 2015. Under the 2015 ANC Scheme, eligible applicants are required, inter alia, to have met a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units for a retention period of seven consecutive months. Payment under the ANC scheme has not issued in this case as the person named has not satisfied the minimum stocking density requirements. The Department’s records show that the person named reduced stock numbers from April to June and held no stock for the months of July and August prior to purchasing stock again in September. The underlying decision to change farming practice is considered a farm management decision and cannot be considered under Force Majeure or any other exemptions in the Scheme terms and conditions.

The person named has been notified of this outcome in writing and advised of their right to seek a review of the decision within ninety days by the Agriculture Appeals Office.