Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of REP scheme four plans lodged from end of 2007 up to 15 May 2008 that were rejected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20163/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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By 31 December 2008, my Department had received 12,146 applications for REPS 4. Of those processed so far, 355 applications contained major deficiencies and were determined to be ineligible. The applicants in such cases had to resubmit a corrected application by the closing date for applications this year of 15 May in order to be eligible for payment in respect of 2009.

The applications received in 2009 before the deadline of 15 May are being examined and it will be some time before the number of applications which may be rejected will be known.

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on amended plans for REP scheme four resubmitted by farmers who were rejected from the 2008 scheme as a result of deficiencies in their REP scheme plans due to a breakdown in communication between REP scheme planners and his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20179/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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In the administration of REPS applications my Department must ensure that the scheme eligibility conditions are complied with in all cases. A number of applications for 2007 and 2008 were rejected due to major deficiencies in the farm plans, and any new application submitted for 2009 will be subject to the normal checks before acceptance.

I am not aware of a breakdown in communication between REPS planners and my Department. REPS 4 was launched in August 2007 and all scheme documentation was immediately available in electronic format. Printed documentation was available in September and planner information meetings were organised at which the requirements for REPS 4 were clearly explained. In addition from September 2007 to 15 May 2008, the predetermined closing date for 2008 applications, officials of my Department were available to planners at all times where further clarification on any aspect of REPS 4 was required. My officials continue to be in touch with planners' representatives and to provide them on a regular basis with guidance on specific aspects of the scheme.