Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 54: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she expects to meet payments under the REP scheme and other schemes; the degree and value of all such payments outstanding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7114/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels on Monday last 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 some €37 million in 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.