Cuts of €114m difficult to find, says Coveney

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has warned that savings of €114m sought by the Government in his department will not be easily found — despite possible savings of €48m in schemes due to end, or where commitments are reducing.

Last December’s expenditure report set 2012-2014 expenditure ceilings for each department. Agriculture was asked to cut 8.5% of its budget, or 8% if last year’s increased ceiling is discounted.

The five-year suckler welfare scheme is coming to an end, but will still cost €12m next year for calves being born at the moment, compared to its usual €25m per year. Funding for REPS is €185m this year, and will fall to €168m next year, because there are fewer farmers in it. However, the new AEOS costs €20m per year. A potential saving of €10m is seen in the early retirement scheme.