Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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489. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if donkeys will be continued as stocking rates for area of natural constraints payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52586/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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For the 2020 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme, donkeys will continue to be eligible for consideration towards an applicant's stocking density requirements.  However, following consultation with stakeholders in advance of the 2019 ANC scheme, it was decided to introduce changes in the scheme stocking requirement in relation to donkeys.  

From the 2020 scheme year, only 50% of an applicant's stocking density can be fulfilled using donkeys and the balance must be fulfilled using other eligible animals.  This change was highlighted in the Terms and Conditions document of the 2019 ANC scheme in order to give sufficient lead in time to applicants who may need to amend their stocking patterns.