Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the main problems that have occurred on REPS 4 plans that have been sent back to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4883/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Checking of REPS 4 applications to the standard required in EU Regulations requires extensive administrative checks including cross-checking REPS applications against the Department's land and animal databases.

The detailed examination of plans has revealed a number of issues requiring further assessment. These include:

the presentation of biodiversity options and the other mandatory area based undertakings.

the reconciliation of areas claimed for payment under REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme.

the compliance of planned use of chemical and organic nutrients with stringent national legislation as well as with optimum farming practices.

The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.