1614. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on an ACRES application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31009/24]

The position in relation to the person concerned is that no application was submitted on their behalf for the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES).

The application process for ACRES consisted of three steps, all of which had to be completed for an application to be deemed fully submitted. The three steps, as outlined in ACRES Circular No. 6 of 2022, were:

the submission of an Expression of Interest/Access Agreement,

the preparation and submission of a Farm Sustainability Plan (FSP) on the Department’s Generic Land Management (GLAM) system, and

the completion and submission of the application to include relevant uploads (Rare Breeds and Soil sampling).

The requirement to complete all three steps was reiterated in ACRES Circular No. 10 of 2022.

It has been ascertained that the third, and final, step was not taken in this case. As an application had not been submitted, there was no associated decision letter and the person named does not hold an ACRES contract.

My Department has advised the person’s ACRES Advisor of this position.