Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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677. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the basic farm payment rules and regulations can be condensed and simplified for the application form from 2017 onwards. [20809/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Under the Basic Payment Scheme applicants must apply each year to participate in the scheme. In order to assist farmers in this process, my Department issues a Helpsheet/Terms and Conditions booklet each year. This booklet issues directly to all applicants and is available on the department’s website. The booklet provides an overview of the EU regulations which govern the Basic Payment Scheme and key information on scheme requirements, penalties and inspections.

Given the central importance of the Basic Payment Scheme, it is essential that applicants are made aware of the rules and regulations governing the scheme. Every effort is made to keep the Helpsheet as concise and straightforward as possible while also covering the essential regulatory requirements for the Scheme.