Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a reply was not given to a parliamentary question (details supplied) that was raised with her. [4012/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As indicated in my previous reply, applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 partnership agreement, Towards 2016.

Applications for grant-aid under the Farm Improvement Scheme were received from the person concerned on 26 and 31 October 2007 and are, therefore, eligible for consideration subject to funding still being available at the time these applications are processed.

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 259: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Laois will be awarded moneys due under the REP scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4029/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The person named is a participant in REPS 3. In the course of the ongoing discussions on the payment arrangements for REPS, the European Commission have very recently raised questions about the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 farmers at the beginning of each contract year. My officials have argued strongly with the Commission that the practice of paying at the start of the contract year is well established and one of which the Commission is well aware. I made the same points directly to Commissioner Fischer Boel when I met her in Dublin last week. My officials and I are pressing for a quick resolution to the issue, but until the matter is clarified my Department is not in a position to release payments under REPS 2 and REPS 3.