Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

Does the Minister accept that some of those who signed up for the REP scheme cannot complete their works and that not all of them will be covered under the farm waste management scheme? There are two choices available to them, one of which is to defer their REP scheme entry. If in year one, most have to comply with their housing need target. Otherwise, they will have to proceed without the grant and not to the standard preferred. Some feel as if there is a gun to their heads. I am aware of individuals who submitted valid stamped applications one week before 31 October, but who were told they would be excluded. When their application was receipted and accepted, they presumed it was valid and felt they were in the comfort zone, even after the Minister had announced she was closing the scheme. Subsequently, they have heard their applications may not be not accepted.

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