Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if an earlier start date for tree and hedge planting with regards to agri environment option scheme 2 is possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53374/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Terms and Conditions of the Agri-Environment Options Scheme 2, which refers to the 2011 scheme year, states that aid will not be given for works commenced or materials purchased prior to an applicant receiving written confirmation of admission to the Scheme. The Specification for the Scheme requires that hedgerow and tree planting take place in the first dormant season after receiving approval in writing of an applicant’s acceptance into the Scheme. The principle of prior approval, and the deadlines and requirements in relation to the 2011 scheme, cannot be changed.