Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a meaningful scheme like REP scheme 3 and 4 will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44669/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am acutely aware of the importance of the agri environment schemes to the agriculture sector not only in environmental terms but also from the point of view of farm incomes. Recently, I announced that despite the challenging budgetary constraints in my Department, I have re-opened the Agri-environmental Options Scheme and am providing €20 million to admit new participants.

A maximum payment of €4,000 per annum for individual applicants will apply under the re-opened scheme which is a continuation of the situation under last year’s scheme. I am confident that up to 6,000 new participants can be accepted into the scheme with the level of funding that I am providing. Full details of the scheme are now available to applicants on my Department’s website.