Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I have a long reply. I will read out the final paragraphs as it will be of interest to Deputy Fleming.

When the agri-environment options scheme was launched last year the intention was to increase the rate for designated land from €75 per hectare, as originally announced, to €150 per hectare. My Department has been in discussion with the Commission with a view to obtaining approval for this proposal. However, given the current financial constraints and the overall funding limits which have been introduced in the national recovery plan and to ensure that as many applicants as possible can be accepted into the scheme, I have decided that the rate for designated land will be €75 per hectare.

At that time, a second request was made to allow farmers in agri-environment options schemes to increase the amount of nitrogen they may put on meadow grass. This request was put to me again at a meeting with representatives of the Irish Farmers' Association this morning. We will examine the issue and I hope to be able to give a more welcome and satisfactory answer on the issue of nitrogen and meadow grass. We will not be in a position to accommodate concerns on increasing the payment under the agri-environment options scheme from €75 to €150 per hectare.

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