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

The proposed new agri-environment scheme GLAS (Green Low-carbon Agri-environment Scheme) forms part of the new Rural Development Programme which must be submitted to the European Commission for approval. Work is well underway in preparing this submission. My Department is finalising the design of measures, taking account of the most recent round of public consultation, and the independent evaluator has commenced work on the preparation of the ex ante evaluation report, the strategic environmental assessment and the appropriate assessment which form an integral part of the development of the programme.

The next stage will be the submission of the Rural Development Programme to the European Commission, followed by inter-service consultation and bilateral discussions. Only when this process is completed, and the Programme is approved by the European Commission, can we open the new GLAS to applications.