Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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968. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures being put in place to accommodate farmers still affected by the mudslide in 2020 near Drumkeeran, County Leitrim when it comes to applying for BPS; if their land which remains covered in mud from the event will be ruled out for payments; the communication his Department had with the farmers on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23911/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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As you are aware, the Department administers the various schemes on behalf of the European Union. Both the Department and scheme participants are bound by the governing rules in the relevant EU Regulations. Force majeure is a recognised feature in the EU regulations and this matter will be dealt with in line with the regulations.

With regard to farm payments in 2021, officials of the Department have contacted the farmers affected by the mudslide (or their agents) to advise them that Force Majeure will apply in respect of the 2021 scheme year. If farmers are unsure as to what to include on their application, they should consult their agricultural advisor. Farmers should ensure that their applications for the various farm schemes in 2021 are submitted before the closing date. The closing date for the 2021 Basic Payment Scheme is 17th May 2021.