Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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466. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if assistance and advice can be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15044/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The case involves a person who wishes to be considered for participation in the 2017 National Reserve but who will not have completed the required agricultural education course by the closing date for the scheme.

 Under the 2015 National Reserve an exception was made which allowed students to qualify under the scheme before completion of their agricultural course. However, this exception did not receive the approval of the EU Commission. Consequently, in order to qualify for the 2017 National Reserve successful applicants must have successfully completed a recognised course of education in agriculture giving rise to an award at FETAC level 6 or its equivalent by the 15th May 2017.

Decisions in relation to the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme, including educational qualifications, are made in consultation with the Direct Payments Advisory Committee which includes members of the main farming bodies and education and advisory services. Full Terms and Conditions of the 2017 National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme will be available shortly.