Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My objective, if at all possible, is to include all 46,000 and they have shown the appetite to do it. It is a scheme that will deliver significantly for the environment and biodiversity and also contribute to climate emission reductions. We are assessing our capacity, the infrastructure to be able to deliver it efficiently and also then engaging around budget. If it can achieve it so that all 46,000 are in, there are not any other challenges around payment or gap years for them. If it not possible to do it, I will then assess issues relating to gap years, etc. At the moment, all effort is going to, and the objective is, try to include all 46,000 if at all possible.