Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
1389. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Agriculture; Food and the Marine his plans to put together a new agri environment options scheme for farmers for the remainder of 2012; the steps he has taken on the matter; the meetings he has had with farming organisations on the issue; if funding been secured to resource the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37908/12]
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.
