Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

104. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when applications for the new GLAS scheme will start to be processed in view of the fact that the scheme was announced in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34872/14]

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

I announced details of the new GLAS (Green Low-carbon Agri-environment Scheme) on the 14 th of January 2014 as part of a suite of proposed measures under the new Rural Development Programme. GLAS will provide significant funding to farmers who undertake environmental actions in line with national and EU environmental objectives. It will contribute to the overall public good and will build on the success of previous agri-environment schemes. The Scheme is currently with the European Commission for approval, as part of the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020. Once such approval is granted, my Department will move to open the Scheme for applications. I would hope to be able to do so around the end of the year, but this is entirely dependent on approval being secured in time from the EU. I will make final decisions in this regard when EU approval is received.