Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 386: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of farmers involved in the REP scheme; if she has satisfied herself with the numbers that have applied; if there will be sufficient funds to provide for increased numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12206/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Some 44,750 farmers are participating in the rural environment protection scheme and the numbers are rising steadily. I expect that the level of participation will shortly exceed the previous record of 45,500 reached in 1999. The Department's Vote for 2005 includes a provision of €271 million for the scheme, representing an increase of 30% on the 2004 outturn. I am confident that this will be sufficient to meet demand.