Dáil debates

Thursday, 26 November 2009

 

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

3:00 pm

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

REPS is not intended primarily as an income support measure but as an agri-environment measure. However, we all know its importance to the income of farmers.

My Department has been in consultation with other Departments, particularly the Department of Social and Family Affairs with regard to the loss of farm incomes, particularly during this year. The computations have been done of possible losses if people did not avail of such schemes. This year, we will pay out €369 million under REPS 3 and REPS 4. There are, at present, 63,000 participants in REPS, the highest level ever. Last year, there were 46,000 people in REPS. The scheme is under discussion with the EU Commission. The level of funding available for it will be finalised in the context of the budget, in the second week of next month.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.