Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 597: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when agri-environment options scheme contracts will commence; the number of months payments that will be made this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30117/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Under EU Regulations, all applications for the Agri-Environment Options Scheme must be administratively checked for eligibility before approval can issue. This process is under way and will be completed as quickly as possible. My Department has already written to all applicants acknowledging receipt of their applications, and advising them that once all applications have been assessed they will be told whether their applications have been successful. Payment will be made from the date of commencement of the contract.