Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 March 2012
513 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm that he will be introducing a follow-on scheme to the agri-environment option scheme 2; and the timescale for when he will be introducing this new scheme. [14326/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraDespite the financial pressures facing my Department I have made provision in 2012 for €243 million under agri-environment schemes. I am also considering the possibility of re-opening AEOS on an amended basis or limited scale in 2012. This decision will be taken in the context of my Department's expenditure ceiling for 2013 as agreed by the Government, and in particular, on how a new scheme might be funded within the reduced funding and resulting pressures on the Vote. I will make an announcement on this matter in due course.
