Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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576. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if it is possible to seek EU approval for an extension of the REP scheme 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25670/13]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, despite the challenging budgetary situation facing my Department, I re-opened AEOS to new applicants last year. I provided €20 million annually for new entrants ensuring the approval of 6,000 new applicants to this scheme. I have no plans to extend the current REPS 4 Scheme. Any new agri-environment scheme will be examined in the context of the new Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.