Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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712. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the Government's position on the principle that farmers impacted by GAEC 2 environmental requirements should be compensated based on the principle of income forgone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25746/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The proposals for CAP simplification were published last week (14 May) by Commissioner Hansen.

I welcome any proposals that will simplify and reduce the administrative burden for farmers and for national administrations. However, as with any new legislation, we will need to carefully examine the details of the proposals,and evaluate the potential impact for Ireland.

It is worth emphasising that the draft amending Regulation will only take legal effect after it goes through the process of co-decision, with input from the European Parliament and the Council.

My Department asked for the removal of GAEC 2 from the Regulations, on the basis of overlap between these requirements and other national and EU legislation. However, the removal of GAEC 2 has not been included in the Commission proposal. So, GAEC 2 will remain a conditionality requirement, and will be applied from this year onwards.

GAEC 2 is a mandatory condition of the payment of the Basic Income Support for Sustainability for farmers. It is intended to protect wetlands and peatlands. EU Regulations require all Member States to have a standard in place from the start of this year.

The simplification proposal provides that costs arising from GAEC 2 compliance can now be included in the calculation of costs for eco-schemes or agri-environmental schemes.

In relation to the possibility of providing support on the basis of income forgone for GAEC 2 requirements, it is important to note:

• First, that Ireland's CSP funding is already fully committed under the existing schemes. No new funding is available as part of the Simplification proposals.
• Second, that the GAEC 2 standard for Ireland is based on existing national legislation and usual farming practices. Therefore, it will have minimal impact on farmers’ day to day operations.