Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 462: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the issue of advance REP scheme payments will be settled between her Department and the EU; the circumstances under which her Department can renege on contracts already signed with participants in the REP scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6509/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 463: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [6514/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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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.