Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

Is it not the case that Dr. Cross wrote to the Department of Agriculture and Food stating that the information given by Teagasc to the Departments of Agriculture and Food and the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in regard to a P index of 2 could not be substantiated legally? Will the Minister confirm if that is the position? REPS plans are considered good farming practice throughout the European Union. The REPS plans in Ireland are restrictive in comparison with those in many other countries. Given that only 12 months remain in the REPS scheme the current P index of 3 could remain in place on those REPS plans until revised, as the Minister's officials have said they will not amend the documentation in the meantime but yet they want to change the rules.

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