Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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557. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the new agri-environment option scheme 3 nationally; the number of applications that have been received up to the end of December 2012; the number that were successful; when the successful applicants will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22923/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Despite the challenging budgetary constraints facing my Department, last year I allocated €20 million annually to fund the agri-environment options scheme, AEOS, and on foot of this I announced the re-opening of the scheme. I decided on a maximum payment of €4,000 per annum for individual applicants which, on the basis of previous experience in implementing the scheme, indicates that approximately 6,000 new participants can be accepted into the scheme.

A total of 9,689 applications have been received by my Department and I expect that the letters approving participation will issue to the successful applicants very shortly. All applicants should note that they should not undertake any actions listed in their application until approved for participation in the scheme as actions undertaken or expense incurred prior to formal approval will not be eligible for reimbursement.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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558. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers from County Kerry that have applied for the new agri-environment option scheme 3 up to 31 December 2012; the number that have been successful; when payments for the scheme will be made to these farmers in view of the fact that due to present crisis regarding fodder shortage and continuation of adverse weather in County Kerry and subsequent poor grass growth and difficulties in obtaining credits these payments are urgently needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22930/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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A total of 9,689 applications have been received by my Department under the agri-environment options scheme, AEOS 3, 815 of which were received from applicants in Co. Kerry. I expect that approval letters for participation in the scheme will issue very shortly to approximately 6,000 of the applicants. AEOS is a measure under the current rural development programme 2007-13, and is subject to EU regulations which require detailed administrative checks as well as a certain level of on-farm inspections to be completed before any payments can issue. I expect that payments will commence towards the end of the year when the administrative checks have been completed. Applicants should note that they should not undertake any actions listed in their application until approved for participation in the scheme as actions undertaken or expense incurred prior to formal approval will not be eligible for reimbursement.