Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
392. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on his Department’s review of ACRES; the prospective date for the review’s publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48811/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 participants now up-to-date and over €786 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, which is currently being finalised, will contribute to the design and development of the agri-environment climate actions to be made available under the Common Agricultural Policy post 2027.
