Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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477. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which the €25 million extra ANC funding that was allocated in budget 2018 will be distributed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49976/17]

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 some 95,000 farmers. Budget 2018 included an additional allocation of €25 million for the scheme in 2018. This is in keeping with provisions of the Programme for a Partnership Government.

There are a number of options in relation to how any additional funding could be allocated under the ANC scheme. These options range from allocating the funds as a flat increase across the current payable rates, to various forms of targeting higher payment rates for particular categories of farmers. The options in this regard are currently being examined. Any changes to the Scheme on foot of this will require agreement with the EU Commission via a formal amendment of the Rural Development Programme, 2014-2020.

The 2017 ANC payments commenced on 19 September and to date over €192.6 million has been paid to almost 89,300 farmers. Payments are continuing on a rolling basis as more farmers satisfy eligibility and stocking rate requirements.