Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 465: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she became aware that there was a problem with the payment of REP scheme two and three; when she communicated that to the farm organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6558/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The farming organisations were made aware in December 2007 of the fact that the EU Regulations governing REPS 4 might, if applied strictly, require a departure from the existing practice of paying REPS participants in full at the beginning of each contract year. My officials informed them that they were making every effort to persuade the Commission that the existing practice should continue for REPS 4.

In the course of 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. I was informed of this and my officials immediately began to engage with the Commission seeking to resolve the problem. Following my latest round of discussions this week with EU Commissioner Fischer Boel I am glad to report that my Department can continue as before in paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. The Commissioner stated that she had no objection to Ireland continuing 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 that payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 466: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is an applicant under REP scheme four will receive their first REP scheme payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6562/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Payments to REPS 4 farmers under contracts which commenced in 2007 are now issuing. My officials are in discussion with the European Commission on the payment arrangements to apply to REPS 4 contracts commencing in 2008 and I expect the matter to be clarified shortly.