Northern Ireland Modulation Rate Overturned

The CAP Pillar Transfer (modulation) rate in Northwern Ireland will be set at 0% after the planned 7% was successfully challenged in the High Court.  Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Finance Minister, Simon Hamilton, objected to the decision, arguing that the Agricultural Minister had not consulted with her fellow executive ministers prior to the decision.  This led to a judicial review which was heard on 27^th December.  Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan found a procedural error had been made, which had the effect of invalidating the 20^th December decision.  DARD officials accepted the court’s decision and due to the tight deadline to notify Brussels of the transfer percentage opted for a rate of 0%.  The decisions raises concerns that the Northern Irish Rural Development Programme with be insufficiently funded.  Environmentalists have also expressed concerns for overall biodiversity and not meeting EU environment commitments which could result in fines.