Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2012
603 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied that the current funding to the REP scheme is sufficient to provide adequate protection to the environment as per the intention of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11269/12]
View answerI am committed to agri-environment schemes, which put environmentally-friendly farming to the forefront and which recognise the vital role farmers play in delivering public goods for the benefit of all society. This is highlighted by the fact that despite the financial pressures facing my Department, I have made provision in 2012 for €243 million under agri-environment schemes, including the Rural Environment Protection Scheme and the Agri-environment Options Scheme.
I am satisfied that the schemes make a very worthwhile contributions to the protection of the environment as intended and that the funding available this year is sufficient to meet the liabilities arising in accordance with level of scheme participation.
