Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the work that was done to make sure the 46,000 farmers were accepted onto tranche 1. A number of farmers have been waiting this year. I also welcome the expressions of interest because I know an awful lot of work was done to get funding and everything else in place. I think the answer to my next question is probably in the negative. It concerns tranche 1 of the scheme and the ability to amend the scheme when something fairly substantial has arisen that was not included. It is a simple question but it is a major issue for them. Is there any possibility of amending the scheme at this late stage rather than them withdrawing from the ACRES and going into the second tranche? The Minister said that depending on the number of applicants, it is impossible for him to guess how much will be put into it but he might confirm how much is in the overall envelope for tranche 2.

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