65 Deputy Noel Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the basis on which applicants for the new agri-environment options scheme will be classified into category 1 and category 2 applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11853/10]

Applicants for the new agri-environment scheme are classified into two categories for the purposes of applying for the scheme for the purposes of the selection process. Category 1 will be those with commonage or Natura land on their holdings while other applicants will fall into category 2. Category 1 applicants will have a higher priority for acceptance into the scheme.