Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the terms and conditions of the scheme, it was laid out very clearly at the start that when plans were submitted, it would not be possible to change them. The logistical challenge of having to administer 46,000 this year, as opposed to 30,000 that had been planned for, puts additional pressure on the system. This is a real challenge. Where it is possible to do things, they have been done but it is simply not possible to change people's plans and this was laid out very clearly at the start in terms of the application process.

I know there will be a strong appetite for more to come in if we have more applicants than we have funding for. There has been a 50% increase in funding for our CAP projects this time around from the national co-funding perspective but that does not mean that there is an unlimited pot either. The profiling for ACRES is 50,000 within that CAP value plan. Obviously, if there is more, it is something I will consider but I must work within the budget I have.

With regard to Deputy Conway-Walsh's question, I am aware of a number of cases. A small number of farmers have been in touch with me in that regard. It is something on which I am engaging with a team to explore further. I do not know what is possible there but I am aware of it and am engaging with regard to examining it.

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