Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 June 2012
472 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when he will announce a replacement for the agri-environment options scheme; the likely benefits of such a scheme to farmers on disadvantaged lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30445/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am actively considering the possibility of re-opening Agri-environment Options Scheme (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. The full year cost of any new scheme will have to be met in 2013 and any decision to re-open AEOS will be taken in the context of consideration of the resources available and the need to remain within the agreed expenditure ceiling for my Department in 2013. I will make an announcement as soon as I have reached a decision on the situation.
