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Departmental Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 May 2012

Thursday, 3 May 2012

Ceisteanna (245, 246, 247, 248)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

248 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons who finished REP scheme 3 in 2011 and have not been able to take up an agri-environment options scheme contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22403/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There were 23,692 active participants in REPS 3 in January 2011. By the end of April 2011, 4,274 had completed their 5 year REPS contract. Those farmers who had exited REPS before 15 May 2011, including those referred to above, and who submitted a valid application were admitted into the Agri-environment Options Scheme (AEOS). The remaining 19,418 farmers that exited REPS 3 during the remainder of 2011 were not eligible to apply for AEOS in 2011. I am now actively considering the possibility of re-opening AEOS to allow for the submission of applications either on an amended basis from the existing scheme and/or on a limited scale, including the possibility of re-opening for applications later in the year with a possible closing date for applications of end September and a commencement date of January 2013.

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

249 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for the future of an agri-environment options scheme in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22404/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

I am actively considering the possibility of re-opening the Agri-environmental Options Scheme to allow for the submission of applications either on an amended basis from the existing scheme and/or on a limited scale. Any decision on a new AEOS will be taken in the context of 2013 Estimate in order to remain within the agreed expenditure ceiling for 2013. I will be examining the possibility of re-opening for applications later in the year with a possible closing date for applications of end September and a commencement date of January 2013. Any new scheme will need to take account of the review of the Commonage Framework Plans to be completed by mid summer.

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

250 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount of money unused in the rural development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22405/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 has an overall value of €4.9 billion over a 7-year period of which €2.5 billion will be funded by the EU and €2.4 billion by the National Exchequer. Current expenditure under the Programme amounts to close on €3.2 billion, being 65% of its total value. While the Programme ends in 2013, spending may continue under certain schemes until the end of 2015.

A total of €396 million has been allocated to fund measures such as on farm investment and other schemes under Axis 1 of the Programme, which promotes competitiveness and innovation. An amount of €4.148 billion has been allocated to Less Favoured Areas and the Reps and AEOS schemes under Axis 2 which fosters the environment and land management. Apart from a small amount for technical assistance, the balance of the funding, being €353 million, has been allocated to the remaining part of the programme which supports the quality of life and diversification of economic activity in rural areas. This part is administered by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government using the Leader approach while the Rural Broadband Reach Scheme is administered by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

All funding under the Programme is committed at present. Spending is monitored on an ongoing basis with funds reallocated and Programme amendments proposed as necessary. This process will continue until the Programme ends with a view to ensuring full draw down of all EU funding within the available budgetary allocation to my Department.

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

251 Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the common framework plans; its future timeline; its impact on an agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22406/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is currently undertaking a review of the Commonage Framework Plans. My Department is co-operating with the review which will revise permitted stocking levels based on the current condition of commonages. It is expected that the review will be completed by end of June. The revised stocking levels will form the basis of future sustainable management plans to protect against both over and under grazing of commonages. Officials from the National Parks and Wildlife and my Department, are in discussion with the farming organisations on the implementation of the revised management plans. Any new Agri-environment Options Scheme will have to take account of the outcome of the review of the Commonage Framework Plans.

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