Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 640: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the recommendations contained in the agriculture appeals office annual report of 2003 which have not been implemented in full by her Department; the action she will take to implement these recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10642/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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With regard to the rural environment protection scheme, REPS, the agriculture appeals office made four recommendations. My Department took all of these recommendations into consideration when preparing for the introduction of REPS 3 in 2004.

The first recommendation was that participants be notified of changes to the scheme at the same time as REPS planners or at their next anniversary date. However, there can up to 20 such changes in a year, most of which are minor and technical in nature and of direct interest only to planners in their professional capacity. My Department advertises fundamental changes to the scheme which are directly relevant to participants and I believe this is adequate.

The second recommendation indicated that my Department should define what time lapse is acceptable for the submission of amended plans in cases where land is transferred and a new applicant is submitting a new plan. In practice, these cases raise few difficulties. My Department considers that the present position in which each case is judged on its merits and dealt with as flexibly as possible, is preferable.

The third recommendation was that my Department examine the delays in notifying farmers of the results of inspections. This is being implemented. The fourth recommendation was that my Department should re-examine its policy relating to clawback of overpayments. This recommendation has been fully implemented.

The agriculture appeals office made six recommendations in regard to livestock schemes. The position is that five of the recommendations are being implemented in full. As regards the CMMS, a herd profile was issued last month to all farmers with clear instructions as to how to resolve anomalies. In addition, herd profiles may be obtained on request from district veterinary offices of any Department at any stage by individual farmers wishing to verify whether transactions have been recorded on the system. Farmers who register under e-services may also access this information electronically on the Department's website.