Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 30: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has had a further update from the EU commission in relation to the delay in the REP scheme payment to farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6865/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels on Monday 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 payments for valid outstanding claims are now beginning to issue.

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 arrangement to apply to REPS 4 contracts commencing in 2008 and I expect the matter to be clarified shortly.