52 Deputy Noel Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he anticipates the formal approval of the EU Commission for the new agri-environment options scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11852/10]

The amendment to the Rural Development Programme 2007–13, which includes the new agri-environment scheme, received a favourable vote at a meeting of the EU Rural Development Management Committee in January. I expect to receive the formal approval of the European Commission very shortly. I am planning to launch the new scheme as soon as the Commission approval has been received.