Written answers
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Department of Agriculture and Food
Rural Environment Protection Scheme
9:00 pm
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers who have joined REP scheme four to date; and the steps she will take to deal with Natura designated lands and the adverse impact this has on basic rate of REP scheme payments. [28844/07]
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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REPS is a voluntary scheme which has delivered over â¬2 billion in direct payments to farmers since its introduction in 1994. For the period 2007 to 2013, provision of almost â¬3 billion has been made for the scheme as part of the Rural Development Programme. There are currently some 55,400 participants. REPS 4, which currently has over 100 applications being processed for payment, delivers on the Government's commitments and scheme payment rates and structure agreed in the social partnership negotiations with the farm bodies. I expect a significant increase in applications for the Scheme over coming months.
Farmers who can show that they suffer losses arising from Natura designation which are greater than the rate of REPS/Natura payment may apply to the National Parks and Wildlife Service for additional payment on a quantified loss basis.
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