Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether difficulties in processing REP scheme four applications will result in a number of farmers falling outside of the qualifying criteria for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20242/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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In the administration of REPS applications my Department, as an accredited paying agency, must respect the requirements of the governing EU Regulations. My Department must therefore ensure that the scheme eligibility conditions are complied with in all cases. Applications are subjected to checks to confirm this and my Department has no option but to reject those which do not meet essential eligibility conditions, including the deadline of 15 May for the submission of applications. I have directed my officials to approach the European Commission officials to see what flexibility, if any, can be allowed in respect of ineligible applications for 2008 which were not rectified and resubmitted before the May 15 deadline.