Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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206. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding farm inspections in bad weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3399/23]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, 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.

The inspection of sheep flocks is a necessary component of animal identification and registration checks for animal traceability purposes.

These inspections also serve to underpin our food safety and marketing credentials at home and abroad. Inspections of sheep flocks are also required under the Sheep Welfare Scheme and inspections in respect of this Scheme are currently ongoing nationwide.

Such inspections are a legal requirement and must be carried out within certain timeframes and to the required standards. These inspections require officials to count all sheep present on the holding and to also conduct checks in relation to the maintenance of records and ear tagging. My Department’s aim is to expedite payments to farmers and to avoid disallowances at EU level.

In accordance with the commitments laid down in the Farmer’s Charter, in carrying out inspections in hill sheep areas, my Department will take account of the timing of inspections relative to lambing and when sheep move to and from the hills for routine management requirements and are providing the maximum notification and tolerances allowed and do take account of the unique circumstances in the hill areas.

My Department's inspecting officers are fully aware of the difficulties that can be encountered, including the poor weather conditions, and do their utmost to take this into account when planning on farm inspection work.