Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 605: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications that have been approved under the agricultural environment options scheme for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31352/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 606: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost of delivering the agricultural environment options scheme in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31353/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Provision has been made for the launch of the Agri-Environment Options Scheme at a rate of up to €5,000 for approximately 10,000 participants. By the closing date of 17 May 2010, my Department had received over 9,000 applications. My officials are currently examining these applications, and until this process is completed it will not be possible to determine what costs will arise in respect of AEOS this year.