Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1975. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason that a person (details supplied) who was previously on the agri-environment options scheme was not contacted directly to be notified that the scheme was coming to an end and that they could apply to an alternative scheme such as the green low-carbon agri-environment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29653/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Agri- Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) was introduced in 2010 and ran until 2018 under four separate tranches. The Green Low Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) was launched in 2015, under Ireland's Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, as the successor to AEOS.
I can confirm that all participants in AEOS were offered the opportunity to join GLAS. Information on GLAS was made widely available as was evidenced by the uptake of Scheme by over 50,000 participants. A series of information meetings were held at the launch of GLAS in 2015 and full details of the option to transfer to GLAS were made available to AEOS participants. Information on the option to move from AEOS to GLAS was also provided in the press, and by Department staff at various fora.
You may wish to note that a new agri-environmental climate measure (AECM) is currently being developed by my Department. It is one of a range of interventions proposed in Ireland's draft CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023 – 2027, which is currently with the EU Commission for consideration and approval. €1.5 billion has been allocated to this flagship agri-environment scheme which will be the successor to GLAS. While formal approval for the draft CSP is awaited and aspects of the draft Plan may be subject to change, please note that it is proposed, as was the case in GLAS, that all farmers, who apply for the Basic Payment Scheme, will have access to the new AECM.
