Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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EU Regulation 1307/2013 provided for the establishment of the Basic Payment Scheme National Reserve to facilitate the allocation of payment entitlements to the two priority categories of young farmer and new entrant to farming.

 The person named submitted an application to my Department under the ‘new entrant’ category of the 2015 National Reserve.  One of the eligibility criteria for applicants under the ‘new entrant’ category of the 2015 National Reserve was that the applicant must have commenced their present agricultural activity in the 2013 calendar year or later.  As the person named had commenced his present agricultural activity in 2001 he was deemed ineligible under the ‘new entrant’ category of the National Reserve and was notified of this decision in writing on 14 March 2016. 

The 'young farmer' category of the National Reserve is confined to farmers at or under 40 years of age therefore the person named was not eligible for consideration under this category.

Farmers who do not hold entitlements have the option to purchase or lease payment entitlements. Payment under the Basic Payment Scheme is made on the basis of one entitlement per eligible hectare of land declared.