Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the representations he will make to the European Commission with regard to a reduction in compliance measures under the REP scheme in view of recent budgetary cutbacks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20257/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The withdrawal of the 17% increase in REPS 4 rates of payments was a necessary response to the pressures on the public finances and the number of applications for REPS 4 expected by the closing date of 15 May.

The undertakings in the REPS 4 Scheme have been agreed with the European Commission and any changes to such undertakings can be introduced only with the approval of the Commission. I have indicated my willingness to examine the situation and to raise the matter with the Commission and, in that context, my officials have begun discussions with the farming organisations.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of REP scheme four farmers who suffered a penalty to date; the monetary amount involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20164/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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A proportion of REPS 4 applications were found be deficient and were subject to a reduction in their first-year payments in the range of 1% to 5%. The recording of these penalties required additional computer programming which took some time; therefore not all have yet been recorded and the exact number and monetary amount involved cannot be provided at this stage.