Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

44. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that although there was a commitment to put a ceiling on direct CAP payments of €150,000 and a commitment to lower that ceiling to €100,000, a small group of farmers were in receipt of payments of over €200,000 in 2016; and the way in which this happened in view of his commitment. [27959/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The €150,000 limit on basic payments is enshrined in Regulation 1307/2013, which establishes the current rules for direct payments to farmers under support schemes within the framework of the CAP.  The lowering of this limit would require a legislative change in Council, something that has not been envisaged as part of the Commission's ongoing simplification programme.

Since the 16th October 2015, the maximum amount payable to any one applicant under the Basic Payment Scheme (excluding the Greening Payment) is capped at €150,000 per annum.  Ireland actively supported the concept of a maximum level during the CAP negotiations.  Under the new Direct Payments Regulation, it was open to Member States to reduce payments over €150,000 by between 5% and 100%.  Ireland opted for the highest possible reduction, thus effectively capping BPS payments at €150,000.

I am committed to further lowering the basic payment ceiling to €100,000, in line with the programme for Government, and I will be seeking to address this matter in the context of the future reform of the CAP.  The Commission has yet to table proposals on the future CAP post-2020, and I will table the matter at the appropriate point as the discussions on the future policy evolve.

As regards payments in excess of €200,000, a small number of farmers (12), received total payments over this amount in 2016.  The total payment comprises of the Basic Payment, capped at €150,000, and top up payments from Greening and if applicable the Young Farmer and Protein Aid Schemes.  I can confirm that no farmer received payment in excess of €150,000 under the Basic Payment Scheme since this cap was introduced in 2015.