Written answers

Thursday, 14 February 2008

Department of Agriculture and Food

Grant Payments

5:00 pm

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted their REP scheme payment. [5909/08]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary 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 4, the European Commission raised questions early in January 2008 about the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 farmers at the beginning of each contract year. At that stage, some €6 million had already been paid to REPS 2 and REPS 3 farmers since 1 January 2008.

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. My Department's position was outlined in considerable detail at a meeting with the Commission in Brussels on 25 January. When Commissioner Fischer Boel was in Dublin two weeks ago to attend the Annual General Meeting of the IFA, I took the opportunity to make the same points directly to her and I emphasised the seriousness with which I regarded the situation. 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. However, until the matter is clarified, my Department is not in a position to release any further payments under REPS 2 and REPS 3. Payments to REPS 4 farmers under contracts which commenced in 2007 are beginning to issue this week.

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will receive their REP scheme payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5936/08]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The person named applied for his REPS payment on 30 November 2007. Further information was requested and was received in my Department on 30 January 2008. However, I understand that additional information, related to the compulsory purchase of some of his land, is still required by my officials before processing of the application can be completed. If the application is found to be correct, the timing of the release of payment will depend on the current discussions with the European Commission about REPS payment arrangements.

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