Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It will not be possible to open the scheme earlier next year because there are specific workloads throughout the year. This puts a massive workload on advisers and March-April is the key time of year for basic income support through the basic payment scheme, BPS, applications. We have worked closely with the advisers and their representatives on the window for applying for ACRES and on how we will do it next year. We have discussed that for next year as to when that period will be and it will be the latter part of the year to open up for new applicants to participate fully again next year. It does have to go year to year because farmers need to be in for the full year to be able to participate in all of the actions and to have the scoring done, etc. There is the issue of the gap and that is something I will certainly reflect on. Now that the scheme is closed we will consider any issues that arise and I will certainly take the Deputy's points on board and consider them with the team.

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