I raise the issue of the agri-climate rural environment scheme, ACRES, a support scheme for farmers. The scheme has two main shortcomings. First, as we are all aware, the weather was horrendous up to a few weeks ago so a lot of the work initiatives are behind time. Second, there are some outstanding payments, even from last year, for some farmers. I would be grateful if the Taoiseach could raise this matter with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Two things could be done. First, some more flexibility should be introduced into the scheme and, second, any outstanding payments should be honoured promptly and in full.

I thank Deputy Berry for raising this issue. I will raise the matter with the Minister, Deputy McConalogue, and ask him to revert directly to the Deputy.