Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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229. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the criteria for the young farmers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35550/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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EU Regulations governing the operation of the Young Farmers Scheme set down the definition of a young farmer for the purposes of eligibility under the Scheme. This definition applies to all Member States and my Department has no discretion with regard to its implementation in Ireland. The status of ‘young farmer’ introduced under the reformed Common Agricultural Policy is designed specifically to assist young farmers in the initial stages of establishing a farming enterprise. For this reason payment is confined to young farmers for a period not exceeding the first five years following commencement of their agricultural activity.