Coveney confirms AEOS payments will be made before Christmas

Agricultural Environment and Options Scheme (AEOS) payments to farmers will be made before Christmas.

The Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney has said in excess of €45m will be paid before December 25.

It will bring the total paid out under the scheme this year to more than €75m.

Meanwhile, Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) payments exceeding a total of €30m has also been paid to Irish farmers in 2015.