Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 446: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cavan will be awarded their correct REP scheme money for 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6084/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The 2007 payment for REPS 3 (second year payment) issued on 19 January 2007. There was a reduction in the payment due to the disposal of leased land. The person named has written to my Department to confirm that he understands the reason for the reduced payment. He has also recently applied for his third year payment.

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels earlier this week about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.