Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek flexibility on the 15 May 2009 deadline to allow hundreds of 2008 REP scheme four plans to be corrected by planners and resubmitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20189/09]

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.