Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

-----I expect to bring clarity to that. I am working with a team on that at the moment. Within the next day, there will be clarity on that. I acknowledge the work that planners have done. They are going flat to the mat on weekends and everything. It is an issue of needs must here, because we only have a certain window and because we want to get as many in as possible for next year. We therefore only have a certain amount of flexibility but we will bring clarity to that in the next few days. I understand the pressure they are under, as well as the appetite among farmers for the scheme. It is good to see that, as well as the positive feedback from farmers in relation to the scheme. As farmers have got to learn about it, as meetings have happened and as they have started engaging the application process, it has been well received. I want to see as many getting in as we can.

As for the ANC, it is difficult to know from year to year but 5,000 eligible applications did not meet the minimum stocking requirements. In a budget of €250 million, it is hard to be clear on that and we have to make sure that we have sufficient provision. The change and difference there is €3 million this year. I think that covers most of the points that Deputy Fitzmaurice has raised.