Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 162: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5849/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

An application for REPS 4 from the person named was received in my Department on 19 December 2007. His contract cannot therefore commence before 1 January 2008. As regards REPS 4 contracts commencing on or after 1 January 2008, my Department is in discussions with the European Commission as to whether the previous practice of paying farmers at the start of each contract year in REPS can continue. I am continuing, along with my officials, to press for a quick resolution to the issue and high-level contacts are ongoing with the Commission.

Payments to REPS 4 farmers under contracts which commenced in 2007 are beginning to issue this week.