Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

294. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if flexibility will be shown to farmers regarding cross compliance inspections and Bord Bia audits (details supplied). [17281/18]

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

The EU regulations governing the Direct Payment Schemes and Rural Development measures require my Department to conduct inspections to ensure compliance with scheme eligibility criteria and Cross Compliance requirements. These inspections, including cross compliance, are mandatory and there are minimum numbers and types of inspections that must take place annually.  

My Department's inspecting officers are fully aware of the difficulties being encountered by farmers due to the adverse weather conditions and the associated fodder issues. Each inspected case will have all factors, including the poor weather conditions, taken into account both during the inspection and when arriving at any decision on the outcome of an inspection.  

Inspecting Officers endeavour to maintain a positive engagement with farmers and to be mindful of any situation where it is evident that a farmer may be under stress.Bord Bia audits are an operational matter for An Bord Bia; I will request officials in my Department to refer the question to An Bord Bia for direct reply to the Deputy.