Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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737. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the interpretation of land eligibility that was confirmed by a person (details supplied) at the hill farmers conference on 20 June 2016 is the interpretation that always applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22451/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Following the introduction of the Basic Payment Scheme in 2015 the Department issued the Guide to Land Eligibility Booklet to all landowners. This booklet details changes to land eligibility requirements owing to the application of Article 4 (1) of Delegated Regulation 639/2014 which gives Member States two options as to how to give effect to Article 4 (1) (c) of Regulation 1307/2013. Ireland chose option (b) of this article which states: “ Member States set out the characteristics to be met by an agricultural area in order to be deemed maintained in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation”. The Department’s representative gave an overview of all aspects of land eligibility which are further detailed in the Guide to Land Eligibility Booklet.