Written answers

Wednesday, 3 February 2021

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme

Photo of Joe CareyJoe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

926. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a 2020 ANC payment in respect of a person (details supplied) has not been paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5140/21]

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

An application for participation in the 2020 Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme was received from the person named on 15th April 2020.

Under the terms and conditions of the scheme, participants must meet the following minimum stocking criteria:

Maintain a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per eligible forage hectare for 7 consecutive months within the 2020 calendar year.

Maintain an annual average stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per eligible forage hectare for the 2020 calendar year.

The person named held a variety of qualifying livestock during the 2020 ANC scheme year which included donkeys, sheep and cattle.  The following points are of note with regards to these livestock and the 2020 ANC scheme requirements: 

- As set out in the scheme terms and conditions, December 2019 Sheep/Goat census returns received up to 15th May 2020 were considered valid for ANC/ASC purposes.  The December 2019 Sheep/Goat census was completed by the person named in June 2020 and received by the Department on 5th June 2020.  As a result, the sheep held by the person named were not eligible to be considered under the livestock unit requirements for the 2020 scheme year.

- The person named also held cattle and donkeys during the 2020 scheme year but sold a number of cattle in March 2020 and also in September 2020.  While the person named continued to hold both cattle and donkeys throughout the scheme year, the impact of the sale of the cattle meant that the person named did not meet the requirement to maintain a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per eligible forage hectare for 7 consecutive months within the 2020 calendar year.

As a result of the above, the person named did not qualify for payment under the 2020 ANC scheme year.

It is noted that the person named has submitted their previous sheep census returns in the December/January period.  If the person named believes there were specific grounds under Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstances for the late submission of the return in 2020, they may submit an appeal to in writing to my Department to:  

ANC section, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Government Buildings, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.

The person named should include any supporting documentation that may be relevant to their appeal and this will be reviewed by my Department.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.