Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
339. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if force majeure will be accepted for 2023 and 2024 BISS and ANC applications from a farmer in County Kerry (details supplied) following the submission of medical evidence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8964/26]
View answerAn application for participation in the 2023 Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme was received from the above named applicant on the 29th May 2023.
An application for participation in the 2024 Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme was received from the above named applicant on the 11th May 2024.
Following completion of the relevant administration checks by my Department, it was determined that the applicant had not met the required stocking to be eligible for payment under the ANC scheme.
As set out in the scheme terms and conditions, applicants are required to fulfil both of the following stocking rate criteria to be eligible for payment.
Annual Stocking Rate: Applicants must meet their annual stocking rate requirement (minimum 0.10LU/ha per month).
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 relevant calendar year.
In 2025 the herdowner requested that an application for Force Majeure be considered regarding his 2025 ANC scheme application.
The applicant was notified by letter on 11th September 2025 that as he had been successfully considered for Force Majeure in respect of the 2022 ANC Scheme on medical grounds, he could not be reconsidered for Force Majeure in 2025 as the medical conditions cannot be regarded as unforeseen.
The applicant was also notified that he could contact the Agriculture Appeals Office (AAO) within three months of the date of the letter.
