Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)

Question 24: To ask the Minister for Agriculture; Fisheries and Food the reason €50m budgeted and committed for the agri-environment options scheme has been reduced to €25m; the reason the number of approved applicants will be limited to a maximum of 8,000; the further reason there are no proposals for additional payments in disadvantaged areas; if he has calculated the consequential impact on farming sustainability and on the budget of Department of Social Protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7791/11]

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