Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)

I thank the Minister. Are the agri-environmental options scheme, AOS, payments included? Some are still due from last year. Is it true that the EU funds 50% of these payments and the Exchequer must make up the remainder? Farmers are wary because if all the payments are not made this year, there is a fear that the Exchequer may be under even more pressure next year. If farmers do not get the payments this year, they are worried they may not get them next year.

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