Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 465: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the deal which was negotiated in May 2006 in relation to people that are not in the REP scheme. [20546/06]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 466: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the action which will be taken in relation to people who were in the REP scheme; and if their REP scheme payments will be increased following the deal which was negotiated in May 2006. [20548/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Question Nos. 465 and 466 together.

All hill sheep farmers in REPS are paid in accordance with their REPS contracts. The REP scheme Terms and Conditions provide that REPS farmers must comply fully with Commonage Framework Plan requirements and consequently no further REPS payments are due for destocking.

The question of additional benefits for actions over and above the requirements of the Commonage Framework Plans is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I am aware that because of a European Court of Justice judgment, that Department is introducing additional management requirements in the Owenduff/Nephin Beg complex and that my officials have given advice on an appropriate level of payment to REPS farmers to compensate them for the actions now required of them that are not covered by the REPS payment.

The question of additional benefits for actions over and above the requirements of the Commonage Framework Plans for farmers not in REPS is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.