211 Deputy Máire Hoctor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to reintroduce a scheme (details supplied) and if so, the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43339/10]

My Department's Farm Plan Scheme is currently closed to new applicants. Further access to the scheme will be subject to the availability of funding during 2011 and beyond. Any decision to invite new applications will be publicly announced. In such an event, applications to join the scheme will be assessed on the basis of conservation priorities, biodiversity added value and value for money.