John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

It was indicated last week when the announcement was made that the current scheme is 60% funded by the Government and 40% funded by the EU. The Minister concerned indicated that the 40% European funding would be retained in whatever new scheme was being drawn up. That is not indicated in any way, shape or form in what the Minister present said in his reply. He also said that REPS was not designed to be an income support scheme but he has outlined that the new scheme when it comes into force will contain funding from modulation funds and from the European economic recovery plan. In other words, will he confirm that the new scheme as it will take shape will be an income support scheme? He outlined that €113 million of new supports. Can he confirm that what has happened is that the farmers who would have received €330 million under REPS will now only receive €113 million under different headings under a series of new schemes that will be set up and effectively the Government has decided to take €220 million out of the pockets of farmers?