Direct Payment Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2012

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Ceisteanna (536)

Michelle Mulherin

Ceist:

571 Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to fund a new agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9446/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (Deputy Simon Coveney)

I am also considering the possibility of re-opening the Agri-environment Options Scheme on an amended basis or limited scale in 2012. This decision will be taken in the context of an assessment of how a new scheme might be funded within the reduced funding and resulting pressures on the Department's Vote in the current year and, in particular, having regard to the expenditure ceiling for 2013 as agreed by the Government. I will make a decision on this matter shortly.