Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2024
564. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will waive the areas of natural constraints scheme stocking density requirement for herds that have been depopulated with TB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29113/24]
View answerThe Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) Scheme requires applicants to meet specific stocking requirements to be eligible for payment under the scheme.
Applicants need to fulfil both of the following stocking requirements.
1. Annual Stocking Rate: Applicants must meet their annual average stocking rate requirement calculated over the 12 months of the year (minimum 0.10LU/ha)
2. Retention period: Applicants must maintain a stocking density equal to or greater than 0.10 LU/ha for a minimum of 28 consecutive weeks in the calendar year.
In cases where a holding has been restricted due to the presence of an animal disease e.g. T.B. and becomes depopulated, it may not be possible for the applicant to meet these stocking requirements.
Where this occurs, the stocking requirements are waived until the applicant has been informed by my Department that the herd has become derestricted.
Upon notice of derestriction, applicants are required to meet the minimum stocking density within 20 working days of the date of derestriction. Where this may not be possible individual cases will be examined on a case by case basis.
