Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 435: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Mayo that participated in REP scheme three; the amount of money paid out to these applicants each year to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30746/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The table below sets out the number of active participants in REPS 3 in County Mayo at the end of each year from 2004 to date and the amounts paid to them. The 2007 figure is an estimate and includes some €25 million paid to date.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 436: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there will be a delay between REP scheme three and REP scheme four; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30780/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Council Regulation 1257/1999, under which REPS 3 was introduced, expired on 31 December 2006 and no new entrants could join the Scheme after that date. I launched REPS 4 on 8 August 2007 as a measure under the Rural Development Programme 2007/13, following the Programme's approval by the European Commission, and applications are being processed under the new scheme.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 437: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the various types of payments available under the REP scheme or other related conservation schemes including the new incentive to protect the hen harrier; the terms and conditions that must be met by farmers in order to qualify for such payments; if these payments are taxable or non-taxable.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30791/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The basic REPS 4 payment rates are as follows: €234 per hectare on up to 20 hectares, €205 per hectare for next 20 ha up to 40 ha, €82 per hectare for next 15 ha up to 55 ha and €10 per hectare thereafter.

Any area of a REPS farm designated as a Special Protection Area under the Wild Birds Directive, a Special Area of Conservation under the Habitats Directive or a Natural Heritage Area qualifies in REPS 4 for the Natura 2000 rates of payment: €282 per hectare up to 40 hectares, €29 per hectare for next 40 ha up to 80 ha, €22 per hectare for next 40 ha up to 120 ha and €5 per hectare thereafter. These rates also apply on commonage. Areas recently proposed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) as Special Protection Areas for the Hen Harrier will automatically qualify for the Natura 2000 rates. The NPWS operates a national scheme and farmers may choose to join either that scheme or REPS. The issue of taxation of payments is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners.