85 Deputy Johnny Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the level of funding that is available for persons who will join the new agri-environment options scheme in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16776/10]

The Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) is a multi-annual scheme and provision has been made for up to 10,000 participants at a maximum annual rate of €5,000.