Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)

While I understand the Minister is constrained by the national finances and, in particular, the terms of the IMF-EU agreement, his response is most disappointing in light of the widespread optimism that payments under the agri-environment options scheme would increase from €75 to €150 per hectare. Participants in the scheme are the custodians of the land. Their family farms are, by and large, located in disadvantaged areas. It is great that such farms are still viable and making a contribution to society and rural communities.

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