Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to introduce a new agri environment options scheme and the criteria for eligibility of same. [17123/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Despite the financial pressures facing my Department I have made provision in 2012 for €243 million under agri-environment schemes. I am also considering the possibility of re-opening AEOS on an amended basis or limited scale in 2012. This decision will be taken in the context of my Department's expenditure ceiling for 2013 as agreed by the Government, and in particular, on how a new scheme might be funded within the reduced funding and resulting pressures on the Vote. I will make an announcement on this matter in due course.