Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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616. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to reduce cuts in the eco-schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62455/21]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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Eco-Schemes are being proposed for the first time as part of the next CAP and they must be funded from within Pillar 1 of the CAP budget.

In line with the CAP Strategic Plan Regulation, I have decided to allocate 25% of Ireland’s Direct Payments envelope to the Eco-Scheme annually, which equates to approximately €297 million per annum. Farmers will apply for the Eco-Scheme at the same time as their BISS application from 2023 onwards.

Following my recent announcement of three additional agricultural practices proposed for inclusion in the Eco-Scheme, as well as amendments to some of the original five proposed practices, I am satisfied that any active farmer who wishes to join the scheme from 2023 onwards will be in a position to do so and will be able to receive an Eco-Scheme payment subject to their compliance with the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme. Payment under the Eco-Scheme will be an annual payment for all eligible hectares declared by the farmer.

I have been clear in the need to have a straightforward, farmer-friendly and practical Eco-Scheme that will ensure my Department will be in a position to make payments on an annual basis to farmers, while also ensuring the Eco-Scheme delivers on its objectives in relation to climate, environment, water quality and biodiversity.