Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Naughten suggests that GLAS is designed for arable farmers. When one talks to arable farmers, one does not get that reaction. We are prioritising commonage farmers here. We are prioritising farmers in SACs. If anything, there has been an emphasis on grass-based agriculture in disadvantaged areas.

It is simply not true to say that only a third of farmers in AEOS can apply for this. Many more farmers will be going into GLAS than ever went into AEOS. We hope there will be 30,000 in the first tranche and there will be another 20,000 next year, to bring it up to 50,000.

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