Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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433. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether flexibility in the operation of GLAS commonage plans is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40433/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The plan for each commonage is drawn up following consultation between the GLAS shareholders and the assigned commonage advisor. As a result each plan is unique, independent of other plans and tailored to suit to the individual commonage.

This ensures that the most appropriate plan is in place on each commonage to ensure the resource is utilised effectively and not under or over grazed. 

The Department has published indicative stocking rates for each commonage. Flexibility is permitted to adjust the published recommended stocking rates where justified on scientific grounds by the assigned commonage advisor.