Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the monitoring procedures in place for the rural environment protection scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25603/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The controls in place for monitoring REPS are designed to conform with the requirements set out in EU legislation. All REPS applications are subject to administrative checks, and on-the-spot checks are carried out on at least 5% of applications annually. Additional discretionary on-the-spot checks are carried out where my Department becomes aware of possible incidences of non-compliance.

My Department reviews its controls for REPS and other schemes on an ongoing basis and in response to regulatory changes and audit recommendations.