Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

When the scheme was announced, it was stated that €28 million was available. I accept some lateral thinking took place. Incidentally, I contend that aid to stock-proofing, which is contained in the farm improvement scheme pertains to health security, especially in respect of disease transmission etc. It also has environmental issues. However, when arriving at the figure of €28 million, some background studies must have been done to establish this was the amount of money required and that the target group could draw it down.

For various reasons, the schedule of payments for REPS 4 was a major issue at the outset and delayed uptake of the scheme. It certainly delayed the transfer of people from REPS 3 to REPS 4. Considerable research must have been done to establish that €28 million was needed. No matter how many people enter the scheme, the estimate was off the mark and the final figures, whenever they are collated, will differ greatly from it.

See this speech in context