Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 506: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a participant in REP scheme three can claim a top-up payment due to land being designated for the preservation of the hen harrier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41001/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Where lands eligible for basic payment at the outset of a REPS contract are designated as a Special Protection Area in the course of the contract, the Natura 2000 payment rates may be claimed from the next anniversary date provided an amended plan is submitted to reflect the new situation.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 507: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of REP scheme four applicants, on a county basis, that are waiting on their payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41030/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The current number of REPS 4 applications, on a county-by-county basis, recorded on my Department's computer system is set out in the following table. Not all of these are due payment in 2008, however. Apart from those whose contracts in REPS 2 ended after that date, other applications received since 15 May, 2008 are due no payment before January 2009.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 508: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REP scheme four will be completed; the percentage of applicants on a county basis who have been fully checked and cleared for the 75% advanced payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41031/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Where a valid REPS 4 application has been submitted, advance payments of 75% under the EU regulations governing REPS 4 can issue only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. The balancing 25% payment will follow when all 2008 REPS on-farm inspections have taken place. Work on the administrative checks is at an advanced stage but cannot be completed until industrial action in a number of my Department's local offices is resolved. I am hopeful for an early resolution of the issues affected the release of REPS 4 payments.