Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Question 162: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is proposed to re-open the agricultural environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19666/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am currently considering the possibility of re-opening the Agri-environmental Options Scheme on an amended basis or limited scale in 2012. The full year cost of any new scheme will arise on the 2013 Estimate for my Department and accordingly, the 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.