353. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will publish the Review of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) as undertaken by senior management within his Department and announced at the end of October 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52512/26]

The purpose of the review of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) was to examine the scheme to identify possible improvements in the experience of the participants and if environmental ambition has been fully realised. As part of the review, meetings were held with farming bodies, advisory bodies and the ACRES Co-operation Project Teams, following which a draft report was compiled.

Challenges being experienced in the implementation of the Scheme continued to be addressed while the review was being undertaken. I can confirm that issues which were impacting the timeliness of payments have now been resolved, with payments to 97% of all ACRES participants now up-to-date and over €787 million paid out in core scheme payments so far. All elements of ACRES have also now been implemented.

The outcome of the review of ACRES will contribute to the design and development of the agri-environment climate actions to be made available under the Common Agricultural Policy post 2027.

As the report of the review is currently being finalised, a decision regarding its publication will be made in due course.