Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 28: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to extend the agri-environment options scheme to new entrants in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45115/10]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Further participation in the new Agri-Environment Options Scheme will have to be determined within the limits of the level of funding which will be available to my Department. The Government's 4 year Plan which was published last week sets out the expenditure ceilings for my Department for the period 2011 to 2014. The Plan does not specify the programmes or schemes to which the funding will be allocated. However, it confirms that there will be a focus on streamlining a range of programmes and that options to be considered include the prioritisation of financial support to active farmers.

At this stage, no decisions have been taken about the levels of participation in various schemes during the period of the 4 year Plan or on the payment rates that will apply. The 2011 Budget will be announced by the Minister for Finance next week and, in that context, I will be giving careful consideration to the allocations of resources against the competing demands in 2011.