Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 89: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the environmental benefits accruing from the REP scheme, he is committed to continuing with this scheme; his future plans in relation to the REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20207/09]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 233: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the environmental benefits accruing from the REP scheme, he is committed to the continuation of the scheme; his intentions in relation to the future of the REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20646/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Parliamentary Questions Nos. 89 and 233 together.

Since it was first introduced in 1994, the REP scheme has been highly effective in encouraging farmers in their role as custodians of our environment. It has delivered benefits in terms of water quality, biodiversity and the protection of the rural landscape. Agri-environment measures such as REPS are important for the benefit not only of farmers but of society as a whole. REPS has evolved over time to reflect changing priorities and circumstances and I believe that this evolution will continue.

The closing date for REPS 4 applications for 2009 was 15 May. I now intend to carry out a review of the scheme in the context of the overall level of participation, the funding which is likely to be available to me and the flexibility provided by the additional funding which I negotiated in the recent CAP "Health Check".