Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1383. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine when he intends re-opening the agri-environment options scheme; if this scheme, when re-opened, will be open to farmers on non Natura 2000 sites; if it is proposed to retain the stonewall maintenance option at €0.50 per meter up to a maximum of €2,000 as part of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37891/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the importance of agri environment payments to the agriculture sector and am actively considering the possibility of re-opening the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) to allow for the submission of new applications. I am examining the situation against the background of the strict budgetary constraints which are in place and the difficult choices which must be made in managing limited resources and competing demands. I will make an announcement as soon as I have reached a decision on the matter.
