Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1136. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to a matter (details supplied) regarding the ANC stocking rate retention of seven months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21369/21]

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

One of the eligibility criteria applicants for the Areas of Natural Constraints scheme must satisfy is the requirement to maintain a minimum stocking density of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare for seven consecutive months within the calendar year, i.e. 1st January to the 31st of December.

Examples of the seven consecutive month period would be the 1st January to 31st July inclusive, the 19th May to 18th December inclusive and 1st June to 31st December inclusive.

In addition to the seven month retention period, applicants are also required to maintain an annual average stocking density of 0.15 livestock units calculated over the 12 months of the calendar year.

It is not intended to reduce the retention period from the current seven consecutive month period.  However, as outlined above, applicants have until the 1st June to commence the retention period.

Where applicants have been unable to meet the minimum stocking requirements during the scheme year on the grounds of Force Majeure/Exceptional Circumstances, applicants can submit an appeal to my Department outlining the reasons why it was not possible for them to meet these requirements and providing any supporting documentation (eg medical evidence in the form of a letter from their GP or Consultant). Any such appeals received by my Department will be examined on a case-by-case basis and the outcome of the appeal communicated to the applicant.

A member of staff of my Department has been in direct contact with the person named to discuss their specific issues with regards to the 2021 scheme year.