Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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366. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if extra funding provided for the area of natural constraints scheme will be used effectively by targeting landowners with the worst natural constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47799/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) Scheme is a very important source of financial support for farmers across the country, paying over €200 million each year to over 95,000 farmers.  In view of this, the Programme for a Partnership Government included a commitment for a €25 million increase in funding for the Scheme in 2018.  I am happy to confirm that this commitment was delivered in the recent budget.

There are a number of options in relation to how this additional €25 million can be allocated in 2018.  These options are currently being examined, with a view to being in place for payment under the 2018 Scheme.  Changes to payments under the scheme will require formal agreement with the EU Commission via a formal amendment of the Rural Development Programme, 2014-2020.

The 2017 ANC payments commenced on 19th September and to date over €189 million has been paid to some 87,600 farmers. Payments are continuing on a rolling basis as more farmers satisfy eligibility and stocking rate requirements.