I compliment the Minister for agriculture on his announced yesterday of a new AEOS 3 scheme that will provide €20 million. I also compliment him on savings made in his Department over the past 18 months or more at a testing time for the economy. The announcement means that 6,000 new farmers will be able to participate in the scheme and I would welcome an acknowledgement from the other side of the House.

Today €154 million will also be paid to farmers under the disadvantaged areas scheme. The payment has been made on time. It has been such a testing time weather wise and the payment will be a welcome boost to cashflow for most farmers.