Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 861: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 426 of 20 October 2009 to outline the adaptations envisaged and to refrain from outlining the scheme as it currently exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38552/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The programme for government contains a commitment to continue to support low-income farmers through the Farm Assist Scheme and adapt it in consultation with the relevant farming organisations.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Rural Environment Protection Scheme, REPS 4, was closed to new entrants in July of this year. However, under the Rural Development Programme, a new agri-environment measure will be introduced and individuals who have been affected by the closure of REPS 4 can apply for this new scheme.

It would be prudent to examine the effects of these new arrangements prior to consideration of any substantive changes to the Farm Assist Scheme. In due course, consideration of any changes to the scheme would take place in a budgetary context.