Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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161. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide an update on a review of the agri-climate rural environment scheme (ACRES); when the review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66670/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Review of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), as announced at the end of October 2024, was undertaken by senior management within my Department. Meetings were held with farming bodies, advisory bodies and the ACRES Co-operation Project Teams as part of the Review .

A draft report is currently at an advanced stage, and when completed will be presented to me for consideration.

It is important to note that experience is being gained on an ongoing basis from the implementation of the Scheme, with this experience addressing many of the issues raised in relation to ACRES during its first year.

The issuing of payments has gathered considerable momentum this year as knowledge and experience of the scheme has improved and functionality has been deployed to address challenges that were encountered in previous years.