Brendan Kenneally (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 349: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress being made on the provision of a new REP scheme. [47959/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Discussions between officials of my Department and the European Commission on a new agri-environment scheme are at an advanced stage and I am confident that formal approval will be secured in the near future. I expect to be in a position to announce details of the scheme early in 2010.

Brendan Kenneally (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the category of farmers that are expected to qualify for the new REP scheme. [47960/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The proposed agri-environment scheme is a new initiative and is not a continuation of REPS. Selection criteria for applicants will apply, and these will be based on the continuation of potential applicants to the priorities of achieving biodiversity, water management and climate change objectives. My officials are in discussion on the details of the view scheme. I am confident that formal approval will be secured in the near future and I hope to make an announcement on how the scheme will operate early in 2010.