Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 December 2013
171. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the plans he has put in place to address the serious income problems arising for farmers who are leaving REP scheme 4 at the end of this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53412/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile there are no plans to extend the current REPS 4 Scheme I am pleased to say that the revised CAP 2014 – 2020 gives priority to agri-environment schemes and requires that the new Rural Development Plan must include an agri-environment scheme. The process for the introduction of new schemes under the revised CAP is well underway.
I am, of course, conscious of the financial pressures on many farm families and of the importance of grant and scheme payments to their incomes and cash-flow. In view of the challenges we continue to face in terms of the public finances, and the requirement to balance competing needs both within the agricultural sector and in the economy as a whole, the government will give all issues careful consideration in the context of the funding requirements for the new Rural Development Fund 2014/2020.
