61 Deputy Johnny Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that the new agri-environment options scheme will be an attractive scheme for former REPS 3 participants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16775/10]

The new Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) allows farmers to select specific actions relative to their own farm for which payment of up to €5,000 per annum can be achieved. I am satisfied that the Scheme will prove to be attractive in particular to REPS 3 farmers, who will have previous experience and expertise in relation to the agri-environment actions contained in the new scheme and will be well placed to choose actions suitable to their circumstances. I would urge all farmers who are eligible to join the Scheme to look carefully at all of the information available with a view to ensuring that they maximise their payment.