John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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657. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to restore ANC budgets and eligible areas which were reduced after the economic challenges in late 2000's; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56911/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) scheme (previously referred to as the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme) provides payments to people farming land in designated areas facing significant hardships from factors such as remoteness, difficult topography, climatic problems, and poor soil conditions.

Prior to the economic challenges faced in the late 2000’s, the average annual funding allocated across 2005-2007 under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme was approximately €248M.

The intervening years saw a number of cuts to the ANC allocation due to ongoing financial challenges.

In an effort to bring the ANC funding allocation back to pre-financial crises levels, €25M was allocated to the ANC in Budget 2018.

Further increases were introduced and implemented in 2019 under the ANC which included:

1. An increase in funding of €23M.
2. An increase to eligible areas which allowed previously excluded tillage areas receive payment under the fund.