Pippa Hackett (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I fully accept that the ash dieback issue has damaged confidence in the sector. I also accept that there are concerns about the RUS. That said, there are satisfied farmers who have availed of the scheme and who are pleased to have done so. I accept that there is another cohort that is not as pleased and who keep the pressure on, but a total of 974 applications under the scheme have been approved since 2020. Farmers are engaging with the scheme as it stands. However, it is a challenging time for farmers. I accept that the issue damages confidence. I did and will commit to reviewing the current scheme, even with the increased rates for this year. That is on my agenda to do.

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