Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 1064: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will increase the option for farmers under the REP scheme three who are currently on a 170 kg limit to 250 kg limit similar to REP scheme four due to the fact that many of these farmers financial plans were based on the continuation of the REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33816/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Farmers who obtain a derogation from the Nitrates Regulations, allowing them to operate at a level up to 250 kg organic nitrogen per hectare, are eligible to join REPS 4. This provision was approved by the European Commission as part of the current Rural Development Programme. However the 170 kg limit was a condition of the Commission's approval for REPS 3 under the previous Rural Development Plan and forms part of the basis for the level of payment under that scheme. It is therefore binding on all participants.