Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on introducing greater flexibility in the application process for the agri-environment option scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16945/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The application procedure for the Agri-Environment Options Scheme has been simplified as much as possible, within regulatory and audit restraints, and will allow the majority farmers applying for the scheme to select actions suitable to their farm from a menu of options available by means of a simple tick box application form. There is no requirement to draw up a plan, except in cases where farmers have Natura or Commonage land, in which circumstances they must employ the services of a Planner.